$12M grant sustains affordable senior housing

by Macie Capote

By Macie Capote
Clarion Herald

As an affordable housing developer, Providence Community Housing has faced increasing challenges in securing local funding and grants since Hurricane Katrina. That’s why $12 million in federal funds for improvements to St. John Berchmans Manor, awarded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is so vital to Providence Community Housing’s efforts to preserve affordable housing in New Orleans.

The grant, part of a $279 million national initiative for climate-focused retrofits, will be used to fortify St. John Berchmans Manor, an affordable housing community for seniors, against storms and improve its energy efficiency and sustainability through the installation of energy-efficient windows and doors, new HVAC systems and roof replacements.

Updates like these are critical to keeping housing for St. John Berchmans’ 150 senior residents affordable. With prices still rising and the cost of living increasing, Terri North, president and CEO of Providence Community Housing, emphasized the difficulty in securing resources and grants like these.

“Sizeable funding opportunities like these are rarely available,” she said. “Investments to address climate risks in affordable housing stock is critical for aging properties. We are grateful to HUD for the resources to make critical updates at St. John Berchmans Manor to ensure that it will operate sustainably and resiliently for the next 40 years.”

The improvements are expected to create cost savings in the long term by reducing daily operational expenses and lowering utility bills for residents.

“That’s our hope,” North said. “We want this grant to not only help us manage operational costs but also reduce the financial burden on our residents.”

St. John Berchmans Manor was originally founded by the Sisters of the Holy Family, a Catholic order established by Venerable Henriette Delille. Today, the Sisters of the Holy Family still own the land and have partnered with Providence Community Housing and often provide spiritual support to residents, with several sisters residing on-site.

“Henriette Delille had a real care for the poor and seniors, and the Sisters of the Holy Family have stayed true to that mission throughout their history,” North said, noting that Providence was founded by Catholic Charities and Christopher Homes in 2006. “Those roots inspire what we try to do in caring for our elders and ensuring they have a safe place to live.”

With ongoing needs across its 20 affordable housing complexes, North said Providence Community Housing is also hopeful for the success of the New Orleans Housing Trust Fund ballot measure.

If approved by voters on Nov. 5, the measure would dedicate 2% of the city’s budget to support affordable housing. This funding would go toward preserving and rehabilitating housing for low-income residents, alleviating some of the financial pressures faced by organizations like Providence.

“This Housing Trust Fund helps everyone in our city by creating and preserving affordable housing and spurring economic growth,” North said.

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UPDATE: The Housing Trust Fund was approved in Orleans Parish.