This morning at a special ceremony, Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHCS) broke ground for Saint Joseph Place, a new affordable housing community for independent seniors in Collingdale (Delaware County).
The facility will be the sixth of its nature opened by CHCS and the first senior housing community developed by CHCS outside the City of Philadelphia.
Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, who oversees the Secretariat for Catholic Human Services as part of his administrative and pastoral responsibilities, presided over the blessing and groundbreaking ceremony. He was joined by Mr. James Amato, Secretary for Catholic Human Services; Ms. Heather Huot, Director of CHCS; members of the CHCS Board of Directors; local government officials; project development partners; and community supporters.
“This is an especially joyful day for Catholic Housing and Community Services, Saint Joseph Parish, and the Collingdale community,” said Ms. Heather Huot, Director of CHCS. “These buildings have been an instrumental part of this community for over a century. Today we celebrate the beginning of their transformation into affordable senior housing, continuing their legacy for decades to come.”
The Saint Joseph Place development involves the substantial rehabilitation of the historic former Saint Joseph’s Parish Elementary School and its Annex building as well as the construction of a new addition to unify the two buildings.
The unified structure will consist of 50 one-bedroom apartments for income eligible seniors aged 62 and older. Features of the building will include a community room, food cupboard, laundry facilities, resident lounges, and on-site social services to assist residents with various needs as they age in place within their community.
In 2020, the Saint Joseph Place development was awarded with a tax credit allocation of approximately $12.5 million by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and is partnering with Raymond James and T.D. Bank for financing of the development. The development was also awarded $750,000 of Section 202 Funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development along with a rental subsidy for 21 of the 50 units. The Saint Joseph Place development also received assistance from the County of Delaware, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh Affordable Housing Program Funds, and a private investment.
Construction on the $19.8 million development began in late August 2021.
Note: Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHCS) is a leading provider of senior living services throughout the Philadelphia region. Dedicated staff are committed to providing the best quality support for seniors and their loved ones through senior programs. Programs include senior housing, senior centers, older adult care management, in-home support programs, elder care helpline, and senior clubs. To learn more about CHCS, please visit https://chcsphiladelphia.org/ .
A video replay of the celebration is posted on CHCS’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/chcsphilly .
Below are renderings of Saint Joseph Place for publication purposes with credit to Kramer + Marks Architects and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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