One of the things that a doctor cannot prescribe for someone with mental illness is a sense of independence.

Angelo Stamoolis, executive director of Community Counseling Center, said there are clients who are doing well with treatment and are ready for a measure of independence. But one thing that often holds them back is finding a place to live.

While some of the clients are employed, they generally do not make very much money, Stamoolis said. Others receive disability or Supplemental Security Income, which amounts to about $500 a month.

"It's difficult to find housing that's decent and affordable," Stamoolis said. "It goes in hand with the therapy and the medicine."

But when a 10-unit apartment complex is built in Farrell this year, the center's clients who are ready to live on their own will have a place to go.

Mercer County Community Action Agency held a ceremonial groundbreaking Wednesday for Independence Park -- the name of the development and a nonprofit corporation set up to build it -- to mark the three years of work it took before a shovel could be stuck into the ground.

Officials looked at three other sites -- two in Farrell and one in Hermitage -- before settling on 613-629 Spearman Ave.

"I'm very pleased that we will be able to complete this project," said Vivian LaCamera, agency board secretary and secretary of Helping People With Disabilities. "There was a lot of red tape to go through and lots of paper to sign."

Ron Errett, chief executive officer and president of the agency, said the project was able to come this far because of partnerships with the city of Farrell, consultant Housing and Neighborhood Development Service Inc., Erie, contractor Wesex Corp., and attorney John C. Reed.

Farrell Mayor William A. Morocco Sr. said the city was willing to find a home for the apartments because it is "another part of what our community stands for."

"We're not above accepting people from all segments of society," he said.

Construction is funded by a $714,700 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a $45,300 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank, through First National Bank of Mercer County.

HUD also is providing $142,500 over five years in rental assistance for residents who qualify.

Architect John N. Gruitza designed two buildings, one with six units and one with four, and a green space and walkway. Six of the apartments will have one bedroom, and the rest will have two.

The center will offer support services to residents, who will have serious mental illness, but residents will be responsible for maintaining their apartments, paying the rent and other regular tasks that go with having an apartment.

Ms. LaCamera said she knows of five people who qualify for the apartments and are interested in moving in. They currently live with their parents.

"It will help mentally ill people and give them independence," she said.

May is National Community Action Month and National Mental Health Month.

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