During a public hearing on Wednesday the Altoona City Council approved the request for opening a halfway house near the downtown area.

 

The project was requested by the Nehemiah Project, a non-profit community development organization.

 

The house is located off 11th St. and 16th Ave.

 

It is for male tenants only, but it differs from a traditional halfway house because it’s not specifically for those coming out of rehab or jail.

 

Jim Balzano, President of The Nehemiah Project, said it’s intended to be a “healthy, safe environment for anyone trying to get out of a bad situation.”

 

During the voting process one council member noted that the term “halfway house” is misleading and noted that it should be called a “God’s way house.”

 

One local resident in attendance voiced his disapproval of the location for the new project and shortly after stormed out of the meeting.

 

After hearing both sides, council members deliberated, and came back with final approval for Balzano to move forward.

 

“Well basically it gives us the opportunity to provide some gentleman with an opportunity to come out of dysfunctional backgrounds, some situations, some misfortune in their life and to really get into a healthy environment that we can help them take the next step towards you  know, towards a productive life,” Balzano said.

 

The house is funded primarily by donations, both public and private.

 

The property will welcome male tenants with any background, except for those currently using drugs or with any sexual crime offenses.

 

There was one condition set by the council; he organization must provide monthly updates about the house and tenants.