$3.3M renovation complete on apartments for people with mental illness

An apartment complex for people living with mental illness has reopened in DeKalb County after a $3.3 million renovation.

The Rosalynn Apartments, named after former first lady Rosalynn Carter, has 56 units for people who are dependent on services but can otherwise live independently, according to a statement from 3Keys, the organization that developed the facility.

3Keys focuses on helping homeless individuals with mental or substance abuse disorders. At Rosalynn Apartments, residents have access to onsite case management, medication and community resources, 3Keys said.

The renovations were funded mostly by a public housing grant.

The facility was originally built in 2000 in Chamblee near DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. The renovation was funded by a $2.9 million grant from the National Housing Trust Fund and the Tax Credit Assistance Program. 3Keys also raised $400,000 for the project. Shelter Plus Care and the county Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rental assistance to tenants.

Local officials including Chamblee Mayor Eric Clarkson, state Senator Elena Parent and Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver attended a ribbon-cutting at Rosalynn Apartments on Wednesday.