Bishop John J. McIntyre blessed the grounds of the 48-unit facility which will provide affordable housing for independent seniors in Northeast Philadelphia. It is the eighth such facility opened by Catholic Housing and Community Services.
This morning at a special ceremony, Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS), a ministry of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia (CCoP), broke ground for Saint Katharine Drexel Place, an affordable senior housing community in Northeast Philadelphia.
Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, the Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia who oversees CCoP as part of his administrative and pastoral responsibilities, presided over the blessing and groundbreaking ceremony.
He was joined by Mrs. Heather Huot, Secretary and Executive Vice President for CCoP; Mrs. Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, Director of CHCS; Mr. Gerald DeFruscio, Chief Operating Officer for Secondary Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Mr. Joseph Sanginiti, President of Archbishop Ryan High School; members of the CHCS Board of Directors; local government officials, project development partners; and community supporters.
Mrs. Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, Director of CHCS said, “Saint Katharine Drexel Place will provide much needed quality affordable housing as a means to stabilize and enhance the lives of the seniors who will live here. Trinity Health will partner with CHCS to provide health and medical services, and Archbishop Ryan High School, which will provide opportunities for intergenerational programming. As with all of our housing, it has been designed to reflect the innate dignity of the future residents.”
A replay of the groundbreaking can be viewed here.
About Saint Katharine Drexel Place
Located at 11051 Academy Road in Northeast Philadelphia, Saint Katharine Drexel Place 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. Designed by CBP Architects, Saint Katharine Drexel Place will provide safe and affordable housing for income eligible seniors 62 and older. In addition, the development will be complemented 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 $24 million development began in the fall of 2025. Funding for the development is made possible by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, City of Philadelphia, Catholic Housing and Community Services, and Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic. RBC Community Investments and BNY Mellon are providing the equity and construction loan. Philadelphia Housing Authority will support the housing through rental subsides, making the rents truly affordable.
Background Information on CCoP’s Senior Housing Program
CCoP’s affordable senior housing program enables seniors to remain active in their communities while enjoying comfortable, stylish apartment living. CCoP’s affordable senior living communities include Saint Francis Villa (Kensington); Saint John Neumann Place and Saint John Neumann Place II (South Philadelphia); Saint Rita Place (South Philadelphia); Nativity B.V.M. Place (Port Richmond); Saint Joseph Place (Collingdale); and Father Augustus Tolton Place (Southwest Philadelphia).
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Editor’s Note: Attached is a photo for publication purposes with credit to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Pictured are CHCS officials with Bishop John J. McIntyre.
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Contact:
Katie Rogers
Media and Events Specialist for Catholic Charities of Philadelphia
215-587-3747 (office)