In 1996, Washakie Mental Health Services (WMHS) applied to the Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) for HOME funding to transform a dilapidated apartment complex in Worland into affordable housing for its CMI clients. The complex, built in the 1930s, was in very poor condition but was ideally located near the central business district, with churches and mental health agencies within walking distance.

The project received a $130,000 HOME grant, and WMHS formed a construction company to complete the rehabilitation, using its clients as employees. The Wyoming Division of Vocational Rehabilitation provided grants to assist WMHS in training the clients to do the majority of the renovation work. This arrangement provided an affordable method of rehabilitating the eight-unit complex and allowed the clients to gain much-needed job skills.

Acting as its own general contractor, WMHS management, along with job coaches and clients, spent 18 months remodeling the units. Each month, the project employed an average of 14 clients, and over the course of the project, 24 received training and employment. By November 1997, the building was completely renovated, with eight one-bedroom units, a common area, and laundry facilities. The units rent for $272 monthly, including all utilities.

In addition to the WCDA and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the local school system, the Department of Family Services, and the local justice system assisted with the project by referring their CMI clients for work and training opportunities. The City of Worland loaned funds, and the city's building inspector shared his expertise in every phase of the project, ensuring not only that it met local building codes, but also that cost-effective methods and materials were used. A local lumberyard provided materials at just over cost and technical expertise.

The project was extremely popular with neighbors and the community at large because it improved a blighted area and employed people who were previously supported by welfare and disability payments. It was also very successful from the perspective of Washakie Mental Health Services, which has continued operating the construction company to perform small jobs and renovations. Some clients still work for the company, but many have moved on to other jobs in the local business community.

Most important, the project resulted in eight affordable apartments for very low income CMI individuals whose needs are difficult to fulfill in a small community.