The Haines Assisted Living board of directors donated the Soboleff-McRae Veteran’s Village to Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium.

The building was constructed in 2015 after the Alaska Legislature appropriated $6 million for the job, and a $650,000 donation from the late Lucy Harrell helped complete the first floor. It’s home to 11 apartments available for lease to veterans and their surviving spouses, with four units designated for low income veterans.

The first floor is a “wellness center” and the home of Southeast Alaska Independent Living, Hospice of Haines, Cornerstone Home Health and the SEARHC Haines Dental Clinic.

Upon its ownership on or before Jan.1, 2020, SEARHC will relocate its behavioral health arm, Lynn Canal Counseling Services, into vacant commercial space.

“The donation is mutually beneficial to both organizations,” said HAL board member Jim Studley. “SEARHC needs additional space to build their behavioral health remodel of the undeveloped area. We looked at the numbers and it made sense for our board, that instead of us running and operating the building, they will.”

The HAL board approached SEARCH about the donation this summer, board member Dick Flegel said. The board approved it on Oct. 29.

SEARHC will provide maintenance services for the 18,000 square foot facility, in addition to the Haines Health Center and Klukwan Clinic.

“This donation recognizes HAL and SEARHC’s mutual desire to enhance and continually improve the quality of life for the people of Haines and Southeast Alaska,” said SEARHC President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Clement in a press release. “SEARHC is committed to engaging in community partnerships and this opportunity continues the good work of HAL.”

Author