Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHCS) is pleased to announce that Saint John Neumann Place II (SJNPII) recently received the “Innovation in Design” award at the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s (PHFA) Housing forum conference.

The funding award, presented under the “Innovation in Design” category, is selected by a jury of housing professionals and presented to affordable housing pioneers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It recognizes SNJPII’s continued contributions toward promoting the sustained health and wellbeing of residents, as well as the senior community in Philadelphia’s Grays Ferry section. In addition, it recognizes SNJPII’s Wellness Center that provides resources and programming that targets the physical, mental, social and recreational needs of the seniors.

Mr. John Wagner, Deputy Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of CHCS, and staff were in attendance to accept the award including an engraved plaque that will be placed on the SJNPII building.

Mr. Tom Houlihan with Capital One Community Finance said, “Capital One is so excited to have played a role in bringing Saint John Neumann Place II to life. This property and these homes are an important reminder that thoughtfully designed affordable housing has the power to inspire and better serve residents.”

SJNPII is one of four CHCS senior housing communities that allows residents to remain active in their communities while enjoying comfortable, affordable apartment living. The building consists of 52 one-bedroom apartment units and a Wellness Center on a parcel of land adjacent to Saint John Neumann Place, which has been in operation since 2008 and represents the successful conversion of the former Saint John Neumann Catholic High School into 75 units of affordable senior housing. “Presby’s Inspired Life,” a faith based, service-oriented organization committed to creating opportunities for residents to live an enhanced quality of life, manages the properties.

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 $14.2 billion of funding for more than 175,900 single-family home mortgage loans, helped fund the construction of 134,507 rental units, and saved the homes of more than 49,725 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: 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, adult day care, elder care helpline, and senior clubs.

To learn more about Catholic Housing and Community Services, please visit http://chcsphiladelphia.org/

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