North Platte, Neb. — Ruth Henrichs, president and CEO of Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, joined State Sen. Tom Hansen and North Platte Mayor G. Keith Richardson at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly opened Josiah Place.

The 10-unit facility provides a home for very low-income people with chronic or persistent mental illness.

"As Lutherans, we are committed to care for our neighbors," Henrichs said. "We define neighbors as anyone around us, and we are called to be supportive. Josiah Place is a community of support for people. This is hope for people who suffer from severe mental illness."

Josiah Place is partly funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Region II Human Services.

"We have seen great growth in North Platte," said David Bernard-Stevens, president of the North Platte Chamber of Commerce. "Today focuses on the inward growth of our community. There are people in our community with serious needs, and a facility like this is a great start. Our community is a little bit healthier today."

Josiah Place provides safe, affordable housing with access to support services. Eight of the 10 units are filled, and the remaining two will be occupied by the end of August.

A commons area features a residential-style kitchen and will be used for parties, exercise classes, holiday functions and volunteer training. No Lutheran Family Services staff will live or work at the independent living facility.