There is more long-term housing in Macon-Bibb County thanks to the grand opening of Bayside Village. This housing complex, which was made possible through partnership with Macon-Bibb County and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, includes 16, one-bedroom, energy efficient apartments. According to project leaders, the apartments offer support options for people seeking recovery from mental illness and addiction, who were formerly homeless, or with developmental disabilities seeking a meaningful life in the Macon-Bibb community. 
 
“While we have people in great need in our community, we have organizations that are actively making more assistance and support available to them,” said Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert. “I want to thank River Edge for working with us to provide housing across our community that provides both a place to live and support and assistance to meet their specific needs.”
 
With the addition of Bayside Village, River Edge now provides permanent housing to 425 individuals who were formerly homeless due to untreated mental illnesses or addictions. River Edge’s staff also supports 17 individuals with developmental disabilities to remain in their natural homes. Additionally, River Edge provides 12 staffed homes to 38 individuals with developmental disabilities who need up to 24-hour support to remain in the community and out of an institution.
 
“We know that stable housing helps people achieve long-term recovery, and we deeply appreciate the partnership of Macon-Bibb consolidated government and HUD to make this possible,” said Chief Executive Officer of River Edge Shannon Gordon.
 
Bayside Village is the fifth permanent housing complex developed by The River Edge Foundation. The infrastructure development and construction of the two phases of Bayside Village was financed through $1.5 million in HUD financing provided through Macon-Bibb County’s Economic and Community Development Department.
 
In addition to providing long-term housing solutions, The River Edge Foundation’s work has transformed formerly blighted and abandoned blocks of the community and engaged the philanthropic community to leverage resources for recovery. River Edge Behavioral Health provides support services to assure residents’ housing success.