By Gwen Davis

Normandy Park experienced a wave of drama recently when several residents complained that the California-based Hanbleceya – a company serving individuals with mental illness – opened treatment facilities in their neighborhood.

The five homes Hanbleceya either bought or rented house individuals with mental illness and drug addiction issues.

However, rumors that the company will soon expand their facilities to Burien and Des Moines are unfounded.

“I don’t have any knowledge of that happening here,” said Mike Martin, Burien city manager. “I am aware of the general issue and we’re monitoring it.”

Des Moines Assistant City Manager Lorri Ericson gave a similar statement: “We are not aware they have any plans at this time.”

Dr. Ian Wolds, clinical director at Hanbleceya said plans for expansion is a nonissue.

“We will not be opening any treatment facilities in Burien or Des Moines,” Wolds said. “The only facility in the Seattle area is in the Normandy Park Towne Center… We have no specific plan to buy or rent houses in either of these areas as our needs are being fully met.”

Normandy Park residents have loudly complained about Hanbleceya’s facilities. They felt they should have been previously informed that Hanbleceya was treating people on their turf, according to The Seattle Times. They also had concerns that the facilities ostensibly had no government oversight.

People became especially emotional when word circulated regarding two suicide attempts in the facilities.

However, the community has not yet suffered any violence or property damage towards them as a result of the homes – other than reported shards of broken glass on a driveway when a facility’s window was broken.

Like other facilities of this type, the program is nearly 100 percent privately funded. Insurance can provide a reimbursement of 10 to 15 percent, but not typically. Insurance does cover the cost of psychiatry and medications.

Most clients are from the Greater Seattle area. Occasionally, Hanbleceya’s clients come from out-of-state.