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Support for Older Adults at Catholic Housing and Community Services

In his video message for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly Archbishop Pérez said, “Our grandparents and all of the senior citizens in our midst are great gifts! They are sources of strength, wisdom, and deep life experience.”

Instituted in 2021 by Pope Francis, this day serves to recognize the seniors and older adults in our lives. It is marked on the fourth Sunday in July to honor the feast day of Jesus’ grandparents, Saints Joachim and Anne. For this year’s theme, Pope Francis has chosen a line from the Book of Psalms 71:9, “Do not cast me off in my old age” to highlight the importance of older adults in our communities.

Every day within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS) provides supportive services to older adults designed to help them live out their golden years with dignity and fulfillment. Recognized as a leading provider of senior services throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, dedicated staff are committed to providing the best quality support for seniors and their loved ones through senior programs including senior housing, senior community centers, and parish-based eldercare programs.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, approximately 435 seniors resided throughout in CHCS’ portfolio of affordable housing facilities. The senior housing programs enable seniors who are 62 and older to enjoy comfortable, stylish apartment living. CHCS ensures that seniors remain active in their communities while living in the senior housing programs.

Currently, CHCS boasts seven affordable senior living communities with six in Philadelphia and one in Delaware County. They are Saint Francis Villa (Kensington); Saint John Neumann Place and Saint John Neumann Place II (South Philadelphia); Casa Carmen Aponte (Norris Square); Saint Rita Place (South Philadelphia); Nativity B.V.M. Place (Port Richmond); and Saint Joseph Place (Collingdale).

More is on the way. This fall, CHCS will join Archbishop Pérez for the blessing and dedication of Father Augustus Tolton Place, a new affordable housing community for independent seniors in the Eastwick section of Southwest Philadelphia. 

The structure will consist of 45 one-bedroom apartments for income eligible seniors aged 62 and older. Features of the building will include a community room, food cupboard, laundry facilities, and on-site social services to assist residents with various needs as they age in place within their community.

Father Augustus Tolton Place is not the only upcoming housing facility to be added to CHCS’s growing portfolio as the agency already has plans in place for an additional housing program. CHCS was recently awarded tax credit allocations of more than $16.1 million for the development of Saint Katharine Drexel Place from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority (PHFA).

(CBP Architects)

“CHCS is thrilled that PHFA awarded Saint Katharine Drexel Place the funding to develop this vital housing in Northeast Philadelphia,” said Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, Director of CHCS. “Given the critical need for affordable housing, all developments are important. Saint Katharine Drexel Place is particularly exciting given the partnership with Archbishop Ryan High School next door that will allow for intergenerational programming and the Health for Housing partnership with Trinity Health.”

Located at 11051 Academy Road in Northeast Philadelphia, the development is adjacent to Archbishop Ryan High School and involves the substantial rehabilitation of the former three-story school friary building as well as the construction of a new three-story addition. Saint Katharine Drexel Place will provide 48 one-bedroom units of service-enriched affordable housing and is being designed by CBP Architects.

Construction on the $23 million development is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2025.

In addition to providing seniors with comfortable living options, CHCS also operates several senior community centers and parish programs across Philadelphia. 2,200 seniors benefitted from senior centers and parish programs in 2023.

Many seniors are drawn to the centers due to their vast spectrum of activities including art classes, trips, health education, nursing services, exercise programs, and wellness initiatives

For the holiday season, Nativity B.V.M. Senior Community Center in Port Richmond hosted a pajama collection for St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. Over 60 pairs of pajamas were collected by center members for children staying in the pediatric hospital.
A highlight for seniors at the Saint Edmond Senior Community Center in South Philadelphia are the community fashion shows, which feature creativity and participation from many members. Through the inclusion of various styles, from casual wear to evening attire, the event provides a diverse and inclusive showcase for all members to be seen and to shine. This May, the center hosted a “Parade of Pastel” fashion show. Center members showcased blends of elegant and whimsy styles.
Star Harbor Senior Community Center in Southwest Philadelphia’s sewing club showcasing their talents. Classes meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Norris Square Senior Community Center’s Grupo Alegria had the opportunity to perform at El Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta, part of Wawa’s Welcome America in June. (Photo: Concilio)

With 14 programs ranging across all five counties of Philadelphia, CHCS also serves older adults in parishes throughout the Archdiocese through their Parish Eldercare Program. Through these programs, CHCS engages with senior parishioners and community members in their homes, connecting them to resources, coordinating services, and supporting their desire to be independent for as long as possible.  Last year, social workers empowered 897 seniors through these programs. Seniors also benefitted from CHCS’ Senior Helpline where they receive answers about services, benefits, and support which enhance the senior’s quality of life.

Through the various offerings, CHCS remains committed to providing the best quality support for seniors. To learn more about CHCS, check out their website here.