A plan to provide another housing option for low-income senior citizens is moving forward as community leaders broke ground for a new housing complex on Ardmore’s east side Wednesday.
“It is one of the priorities of the community — providing affordable, quality housing for seniors,” Big Five board member John Earl Thompson said. “It ranks right up there with providing nutrition services.”
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded a $1.2 million grant to Big Five Community Service Inc. for the project. Big Five Executive Director Carol Ammons said the agency has similar apartments in Marietta and Coalgate.
“I’m just happy Big Five can play a part in this project,” Thompson said.
The apartment complex, which will include 14 one-bedroom units and a small community center with laundry facilities and an office, is designed so its residents can live independently in an environment that provides support services such as cleaning, cooking and transportation. HUD will subsidize residents’ rents, depending upon their ability to pay.
Dunbar Heritage Apartments will be located at 27 Burton St. within easy walking distance of the Dunbar Heritage Center. Thompson said apartment residents will be able to participate in the center’s senior nutrition program.
He said the complex will be built on property formerly owned by the Warren Memorial Methodist Church. He said the site offers another advantage to those who will live in the apartments.
“They will live in an area where they already have friends, acquaintances and family,” he said.
Beth Parker, Big Five’s housing and community program director, said the agency will be looking for additional funding for a parking lot and a safe room. She said the complex will be a smoke-free facility.
Thompson said he expects the construction phase of the project will be completed in April of next year.
“Why should people not have access to quality housing?” he asked. “Seniors have given so much, and they need to enjoy the rest of their lives.”
Steve Biehn, 221-6546
