During a recent Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting, Pastor Trey Hager of First Presbyterian Church shared an ambitious plan to address the critical shortage of care options for individuals with special needs and seniors in the community. Hager outlined his proposal, which centers on converting the Christamore House into a facility that could offer expanded services, including childcare, therapy, and meals for seniors, as well as building mixed-market housing on adjacent county-owned land.
Hager, who is also the father of a 13-year-old son with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other significant disabilities, emphasized the staggering costs families face. “The national median cost of non-medical home care for daily tasks and supervision is $33 an hour,” Hager said. “That equals nearly $295,000 annually for 24/7 care, far exceeding what Social Security and Medicaid reimburse.” He noted that four group homes have closed in Henry County, forcing 15 residents to seek care elsewhere.
In response, Hager has purchased the Christamore House and is working on renovations that would enable the facility to provide therapy services, secure spaces for special needs children, and house a commercial kitchen for meal programs. The project also envisions creating a congregate meal site and community gathering place for seniors.
A key component of the plan is a request for the county to consider donating about seven acres of adjacent land. This property would be used to build mixed-market housing — including group homes for individuals with disabilities and senior housing. Hager explained that the housing would be owned and managed by a private nonprofit foundation that could ensure long-term stability and appropriate use. The housing plan could include up to 14 dwellings, depending on zoning and development plans.
“The goal is to create housing and care solutions that are beyond what individual families, or even the government, can manage on their own,” Hager said. “This foundation model allows us to pool resources, secure grants, and provide not only housing but also quality-of-life supports.”
Supervisors discussed the legal and procedural steps required, including the potential need for a public hearing on the land donation or sale. Officials acknowledged that more information and community input will be needed before moving forward.
If successful, Hager’s timeline would see renovations at the Christamore House completed this fall, coinciding with the new school year, while the housing development would follow based on approvals, funding, and construction schedules.
“This is about creating lasting solutions for some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” Hager concluded. “It’s a way we can all come together as a community.”
The Board of Supervisors will continue to evaluate the proposal and explore next steps in the coming weeks.