*Media Advisory* Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez To Visit Catholic Housing And Community Services’ Saint Francis Villa, An Affordable Housing Community For Seniors In Kensington

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will visit Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s (CHCS) Saint Francis Villa (SFV), an affordable housing community for seniors located in Philadelphia’s East Kensington neighborhood.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021
10:00 a.m.
Saint Francis Villa
2450 Emerald Street
Philadelphia, PA 19125

 Archbishop Pérez will be greeted by Ms. Heather Huot, director of CHCS, CHCS staff, and an SFV resident who was a parishioner at Saint Ambrose Parish (Philadelphia) during Archbishop Pérez’s time as Parochial Vicar.

Mr. James Amato, Secretary for Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Monsignor Paul M. Kennedy, President of the CHCS Board Committee and Pastor of Saint Katherine of Siena Parish in Northeast Philadelphia; and Father Michael Duffy, OFM, of Saint Francis Inn will also be in attendance.

During his visit, Archbishop Pérez will tour the 40-unit building and engage with SFV residents in a socially distant fashion. There are five different first languages spoken by residents throughout SFV including Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Residents will also have the opportunity to have their apartment units blessed by the Archbishop.

All social distancing and COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. Portions of the visit will be streamed live to Archbishop Pérez’s Facebook Page. For pictures for publication purposes, please contact the Office for Communications at [email protected].

Background on Saint Francis Villa

Saint Francis Villa is a senior housing community for income eligible seniors 62 and older located in the East Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Opened in 2016 in collaboration with Visitation B.V.M. Parish and Saint Francis Inn, the building consists of 40 one-bedroom apartment units and features a community room as well as on-site social services to assist residents with aging in place.

Background on CHCS’ Senior Housing Program

CHCS’ affordable senior housing program enable seniors to remain active in their communities while enjoying comfortable, stylish apartment living. CHCS’ affordable senior housing communities include Casa Carmen Aponte Apartments (Kensington); Saint John Neumann Place and Saint John Neumann Place II (South Philadelphia); Nativity B.V.M. Place (Port Richmond); and Saint Francis Villa (Kensington).  CHCS will also be adding to its growing portfolio of affordable housing for independent seniors Saint Rita Place in South Philadelphia. Construction is underway and the residence is expected to open in the fall of 2021. CHCS will also add Saint Joseph Place in Collingdale (Delaware County), the first senior housing community developed by CHCS outside the City of Philadelphia.

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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, adult day care, elder care helpline, and senior clubs. To learn more about CHCS, please visit http://chcsphiladelphia.org/.