Catholic Housing and Community Services Awarded Tax Credit Allocation by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency for Saint Joseph Place, an Affordable Senior Housing Project in Delaware County

 

Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHCS) will add Saint Joseph Place to its growing portfolio of affordable housing for independent seniors. The building will be the sixth of its nature developed by CHCS.

Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHCS) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a tax credit allocation of $1.25 million for 10 years for a total of $12.5 million for the development of Saint Joseph  Place, an affordable housing community for independent seniors. These funds were awarded by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) on August 13, 2020.

Saint Joseph Place in Collingdale (Delaware County) will be the first senior housing community developed by CHCS outside the City of Philadelphia. The development involves the substantial rehabilitation of the historic former Saint Joseph’s Elementary School and Annex buildings as well as the construction of a new addition to unify the two buildings. The project will provide 50 units of service-enriched affordable housing on the grounds of Saint Joseph Parish. The development is being designed by Kramer + Marks Architects.

Ms. Heather Huot, Director of CHCS said, “CHCS is honored to receive this allocation from PHFA. Saint Joseph Place is a shining example of giving new life to church buildings that have served this community for decades.  These halls that once educated our children, will now provide a safe, beautiful and affordable place for our seniors.”

Saint Joseph Place will provide safe and affordable housing for income eligible seniors 62 and older. In addition, the development will be complimented by a rich program of on-site supportive services, which will include case management, health services, and recreational activities. Support services will be provided by CHCS and its partners.

Construction on the $18.5 million development is anticipated to begin in summer of 2021.  Additional funding for the development is being providing by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh’s Affordable Housing Program, Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development and private investment.

Background on PHFA

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. Through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, PHFA also promotes economic development across the state. Since its creation by the legislature in 1972, it has generated more than $14.8 billion of funding for more than 179,850 single family home mortgage loans, helped fund the construction of 136,215 rental units, distributed more than $109.2 million to support local housing initiatives, and saved the homes of more than 50,300 families from foreclosure. PHFA programs and operations are funded primarily by the sale of securities and from fees paid by program users, not by public tax dollars. The agency is governed by a 14-member board.

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Editor’s 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 http://chcsphiladelphia.org/

For more information on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, please visit https://www.phfa.org/