St. Joseph of the Pines was recently awarded funding to build additional affordable senior housing units.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develop-ment (HUD) announced the approval of a HUD Section 202 Capital Advance Fund Reserv-ation to construct Phase III of Providence Place Apartments in Red Springs.

The funding will allow St. Joseph of the Pines to sponsor the project, which will consist of 28 one-bedroom independent-living units that will be constructed for occupancy by low-income seniors 62 years of age and older.

An additional two-bedroom unit will be built for a resident manager, who will be available to assist residents in obtaining community-based services that will enable them to successfully age-in-place in their apartments.

The building will also contain a commons area with spaces for a library and computer center, crafts and hobbies, and social recreation.

"We are extremely excited about this announcement, as it enables us to expand our mission to serve those in need within Robeson County," said Russell Pait, director of human resources for St. Joseph of the Pines.

St. Joseph of the Pines has been the sponsoring organization of affordable housing for more than 60 years, providing quality housing in a safe, secure environment.

The first community, Providence Place, opened in 1995 in Aberdeen in a quiet, convenient area. More apartment residences were added within two years and the program was expanded to include a Providence Place neighborhood in Red Springs.

"St. Joseph of the Pines aims to break ground within ten to twelve months," said Lane Sarver, project consultant with Sarver Housing Group Inc. "With an additional ten to twelve months of construction time, the new apartments should be ready for occupancy before the end of 2008."

HUD announced in October that more than $500 million was granted for nationwide housing assistance.

Section 202 of HUD's grants program helps increase the amount of affordable housing available for the elderly, providing low-income seniors with opportunities that allow them to continue to live independently in an environment that makes available support services such as housekeeping, cleaning, and transportation.

The HUD Section 202 program has also awarded Project Rental Assistance Contract (PRAC) funds to St. Joseph of the Pines. These funds will allow residents to pay a rental fee, including utilities, equal to 30 percent of their income, with the HUD PRAC funds supplementing the rent to cover the operating costs of the building.

Occupancy will be available to households whose head is over 62 years of age and whose income is less than $16,500 for a single-person household or $18,850 for a two-person household.

"As chairman of the Providence Place Board of Directors, I am very excited that St. Joseph of the Pines will receive a HUD grant for more than three million dollars to build 29 additional low-income elderly housing units at our Providence Place property in Red Springs," Johnny Burns said. "Our current Red Springs' campus has 76 units, and after these new units are built, we will have a total of 105 units. In addition, we have 79 units at our Providence Place property in Aberdeen. This is an excellent example of how St. Joseph of the Pines continues to fulfill its mission to provide outstanding senior living services."

HUD establishes qualifications for residency. Residents must be at least 62 years of age and meet the annual income limits as defined by HUD. In addition, residents must be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status as identified by HUD.

St. Joseph of the Pines Health System, a member of Catholic Health East, is sponsored by the Sisters of Providence and includes Belle Meade Resort Retirement, The Villas at Pine Knoll, The Overlook at Pine Knoll, The Coventry, The Health Center, and Providence Place.

Contributed by Jennifer Bunting, marketing and sales coordinator for St. Joseph of the Pines Health System.