The Berrien County Health Department is studying the possibility of opening an office in Three Oaks.
Health Officer Guy Miller tells us the county previously operated an office there, but it fell into disuse during COVID. However, the Pokagon Fund is now working with the department and several other partners to explore a new use for the former Three Oaks Elementary building.
“The idea that the Pokagon Fund has is to bring a community hub to this building at 100 Oak Street, and they are looking for various human services agencies to move into this building,” Miller said. “Actually, the purchase of the building is kind of pending, whether or not they can find interested organizations.”
The partner organizations include Flowers Early Learning, Neighbor by Neighbor, and Caring Connections. Miller says the health department is studying the feasibility of teaming up with them to occupy the former school.
“This is kind of a rural area down in Three Oaks. We don’t really have an office near that. Our closest offices to the southwestern region of the county would be Benton Harbor and Niles. Those are the only two offices.”
The health department would provide WIC services, family planning services, and vaccination services at the office.
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners on Thursday voted to seek a $50,000 grant from the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity to conduct a study on the possibility. Miller says the Pokagon Fund will pay the grant’s 20% match. If the concept starts to come together, then would begin the process of finding funds to move forward.
Miller notes the Pokagon Fund has agreed to support any renovation work that would be needed in the building.
The county will learn whether it’s been approved for the grant in a few months.
