This morning at a special ceremony, Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHCS) broke ground for Father Augustus Tolton Place, a new affordable community for independent seniors in the Eastwick section of Southwest Philadelphia.
The facility will be the seventh of its nature opened by CHCS.
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.
Ms. Heather Huot, Director of CHCS said, “With the groundbreaking of Fr. Augustus Tolton Place, CHCS embraces this opportunity to support older adults and their desire to remain independent in the Eastwick community.”
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.
In 2021, the Father Augustus Tolton Place development was awarded with a tax credit allocation of approximately $11.5 million by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and is partnering with RBC Capital Markets and BNY Mellon for financing of the development. PHFA also provided funds through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund and the Construction Cost Relief Program. Father Augustus Tolton Place development also received assistance from the City of Philadelphia, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh Affordable Housing Program Funds, and a rental subsidy from the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
Construction on the $17.7 million development began in early February 2023.
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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, elder care helpline, and senior clubs. To learn more about CHCS, please visit https://chcsphiladelphia.org/.
A video replay of the celebration will be posted later in the day to CHCS’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/chcsphilly.
Attached is a photo for publication purposes with credit to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Pictured left to right are officials from CHCS, Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre, Councilmembers Kenyatta Johnson and Jim Harrity, and John Paone.
Contact: Alaina N. Longo
Deputy Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)