“Hope Grows Here”: Groundbreaking Marks New Chapter for Mental Health Community

On a warm July morning, community members, advocates and healthcare leaders gathered at the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health’s Tiny Homes Village in Pittsboro to witness the groundbreaking of a long-awaited Community House—a space that promises to be a cornerstone for individuals living with severe mental illness.

But beyond the ceremony, the moment held deep personal meaning—especially for Dr. Wesley Burks, CEO of UNC Health, and longtime supporters Jim and Karen Lamont, whose generosity helped bring the project to life.

“This is truly extraordinary,” Burks said as he welcomed attendees. “This community house will be an integral part of our residents’ lives here at the Tiny Village.”

For Dr. Burks, the occasion was more than professional—it was personal. His friendship with the Lamonts spans more than two decades, starting when their daughters became close friends.

“Through that, we became a family of friends,” he shared. “That was long before I came to UNC to work. I’ve heard about this community through them—not through work—for over 15 years.”

The Community House is the latest evolution of a vision that began nearly two decades ago, when John Gilmore, MD, and his team at the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health sought to redefine recovery.

“We realized that recovering from serious mental illness required a lot more than just medication and psychotherapy,” Gilmore explained. “It required a good place to live, good food, a good community—safety. That’s what made Thava’s vision so successful.”

That vision belongs to Thava Mahadevan, a former refugee who turned his own experience with housing insecurity into a lifelong mission. “Housing has always been such an important part of recovery,” he said. “Whether you’re recovering from addiction or struggling with mental illness, you need an anchor. And for people with serious mental illness, that anchor is often missing.”

The Lamonts have been instrumental in helping that anchor take shape. Their journey into mental health advocacy started when their son began struggling with his own mental health 17 years ago.

“It was our pediatrician who said, ‘Run, don’t walk to the UNC STEP Clinic,’” Karen Lamont recalled. “That advice changed our lives.”

Over the years, the Lamonts became steadfast supporters of the Center and its mission. Their belief in the vision—and their transformative gift—made the Community House attainable.

“This wouldn’t be possible without long-term supporters like Jim and Karen,” said Mahadevan. “They totally believed in our vision. There was nothing here, but they still believed in us and made sure we had all the resources we needed.”

Karen described the UNC Farm at Penny Lane, where the Tiny Homes Village is located, as a place where individuals are accepted and empowered. “It’s a place where participants receive a holistic approach to care. They learn healthy life skills and practice wellness. It works—and it works really well.”

The Community House will serve as a gathering space, a resource hub, and a symbol of belonging. And thanks to the tireless efforts of the team and the support of donors like Jim and Karen Lamont, construction will soon be underway. “We got our permits yesterday from the county,” Mahadevan announced to cheers. “We’re ready to begin.”

As the first shovels broke ground, the theme of the farm—Hope Grows Here—felt more tangible than ever. Thanks to the Lamonts’ generosity, the vision of a healing, supportive community is no longer just a dream—it’s being built, one brick at a time.

For more information on the Tiny Homes Village and supporting the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health, contact Laura Andersen at [email protected].