The Center for Counseling and Consultation has announced a change in direction for the proposed Crisis Stabilization and Veterans Housing Project in Ellinwood.

This is a news release issued by the Center on Tuesday.

Originally designed as an eight-bed crisis stabilization unit combined with housing for veterans, the project aimed to meet two urgent community needs:

• Providing safe, short-term stabilization for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, and

• Creating supportive housing for local veterans in need of stability and care.

After extensive review and consultation with partners, including the Docking Institute of Public Affairs and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), The Center determined that the project, as originally proposed, is not fiscally responsible or sustainable without ongoing state funding.

As part of our due diligence, The Center commissioned a comprehensive feasibility study and engaged multiple industry experts, including general contractors, architects, and consultants, to thoroughly assess the project’s scope and long-term viability. Through this process, it became clear that the estimated construction cost would approach $6 million, with annual operating costs exceeding $2 million for staffing, maintenance, and facility upkeep. These findings confirmed that the financial burden would be too great to sustain without guaranteed long-term funding support.

While The Center received strong support from community leaders, hospitals, law enforcement, and state officials, responsible use of public funds means adapting plans to ensure long-term sustainability.

“From the beginning, this project has been about serving our neighbors — the people right here in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, and Stafford counties,” said Wendy Lockwood, Executive Director at The Center. “When we talk about crisis stabilization, we’re talking about your friends, family members, coworkers, and community members who are experiencing a mental health emergency. These are our people, and we want to make sure they get the help they need close to home.”

Why Crisis Stabilization Matters Locally

According to the Docking Institute’s study, central Kansas sees approximately 82 involuntary mental health admissions each year—an average of two people each week who need immediate, short-term mental health care. Without local crisis services, many of these individuals end up in emergency rooms, jails, or sent far from home for help.

A Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) provides a safe, local alternative — a 24/7 place where individuals can receive up to 72 hours of professional care, evaluation, and support during a crisis.

Next Steps: Responsible Planning and Broad Collaboration

The Center has determined that the Ellinwood project will not continue in its original form. While The Center will continue to collaborate with Ellinwood Hospital, KDADS, the Fort Zarah Veterans Group, and other original partners, it will also actively seek feedback and input from all interested partners throughout Barton, Pawnee, Rice, and Stafford counties.

The goal is to identify smaller-scale, more sustainable solutions that still address the region’s most pressing needs—crisis stabilization and veteran support—in ways that are financially responsible and community-driven.

Crisis services remain a top priority for The Center. Our expanded mobile crisis response team now provides immediate, on-site help across all four counties until midnight, with plans to continue growing until 24/7 crisis care becomes a reality. At the same time, The Center remains deeply committed to veteran care and housing initiatives, recognizing the vital importance of supporting those who have served our nation and ensuring they have access to stability, respect, and compassionate care close to home.

“We’re not ending the mission that inspired this project — we’re reshaping it,” said Wendy Lockwood “Our focus remains on local, compassionate, and effective crisis and veteran care that reflects both the needs and values of the communities we serve.”

The Center for Counseling and Consultation serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice, and Stafford counties, offering comprehensive mental health and substance use services. Guided by its mission – Cultivating Help, Hope, and Healing – The Center is dedicated to strengthening communities through accessible, compassionate, and local care.