“The housing shortage that exists in our community mirrors national trends for seniors and veterans.”
When it comes to the lack of housing options for seniors and veterans, the St. Louis area is no different than other parts of the country. Fortunately, that trend will improve a bit thanks to a new $21 million senior housing development in Fairview Heights, Illinois.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the North Bend Residences, a Village of New Life Church, took place on Sept. 25, and offered a glimpse of the sustainable and affordable housing community that’s on the horizon for independent seniors aged 62 and older.
Located at 301 North Monticello Place in Fairview Heights, North Bend will feature one and two bedroom single family homes, attached duplexes and a 20-unit apartment building.
“The housing shortage that exists in our community mirrors national trends for seniors and
veterans,” said Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr., senior pastor of New Life in Christ Church. “This will be a community of choice for those we treasure the most – our seniors.”
New Life Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization that serves as the community development arm of New Life in Christ Interdenominational Church. Dudley founded the organization to further the church’s mission of changing lives by creating affordable housing communities that enrich and empower seniors, families, and veterans.
New Life CDC partnered with Affordable Housing Developers/Consultants to make this project happen.
“Many older residents in the Fairview Heights, St. Clair County area have been on waiting lists to secure housing that is not only affordable but will also fit the physical and mobility challenges they may face,” Dudley said. “When completed, North Bend Residences will provide needed housing relief for many in our community.”
Vivian Moore, Executive Director of New Life CDC, told supporters at the groundbreaking event that Dudley shared his vision of developing housing in Metro East with her 20 years ago. “Now the vision is a reality,” said Moore.
The homes will feature an attached garage, energy-star rated appliances – which includes a washer and dryer, internet and cable access. A number of homes in the development will also be set aside for residents with special needs. Additionally, there will be a community club house which will have a computer room, exercise room, multipurpose area and gift and sundries shop. Also, through its collaborative partnerships with several local organizations and agencies, New Life In Church will be able to facilitate resident access for those who need social services support.
The project is being financed by a combination of grants and loans from the Illinois Housing Development Authority through federal low income housing credits, U.S. Bank, the Affordable Housing Program and Illinois Facilities Fund. Construction is expected to be completed by next September. According to Housing America’s Older Adults, a 2023 report by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, the population growth of people 65 and over in the United States rose from 43 million in 2012 to 58 million in 2022. However, in the next decade, the fastest growth will occur among those over 80, who also represent the oldest of the Baby Boom generation and are more likely to need affordable and accessible housing. The report provides a bleak outcome for seniors in this surging population group, indicating that the U.S. is not ready to provide housing or services for them in the future.
James Roberts, President of AHDVS said, “Our goal is to develop affordable housing communities that add to the diversity and quality of choices for families, seniors and persons with disability.”
“AHDVS is represented by professionals skilled and experienced in the execution of affordable housing development. The principles deliver experience in planning, finance, and construction.” AHDVS has developed similar senior housing communities throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Georgia.
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.
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