St. Joseph of the Pines recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction for a new affordable housing community for seniors in Red Springs.

Providence Place VI is being constructed adjacent to Providence Places III and IV, located in Red Springs.

The additional 29 units that are under construction will bring the total number of affordable apartments that are sponsored by St. Joseph of the Pines to 184, with 105 of these located in Red Springs.

All apartments are ground-level, which allows for easy access, and features a full kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom.

"The concept of building these additional 29 units was first initiated in the summer of 2005," said Russell Pait, director of human resources. "We're proud to see the tangible results of the hard work of a number of people."

Sarver Housing Group, St. Joseph's housing consultants, worked with the organization to create Providence Place VI, thereby strengthening the community and helping St. Joseph of the Pines promote its mission of providing outstanding senior living and health services to those in the communities they serve.

"This project would not have been approved without the hard work and expertise of Sarver Housing Group," Pait said. "Their input and technical expertise has been invaluable. They have, among many other things, assisted us in using the most innovative design features and construction practices to meet the needs of our future residents."

St. Joseph of the Pines has been the sponsoring organization of affordable housing, providing quality apartment-style homes in secure, safe environments since 1995. The first Providence Place community opened in 1995 in a quiet, convenient area of Aberdeen.

More apartments were added within two years, and the program was expanded in 1999 to include two Providence Place communities in Red Springs.

The U.S. Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Suppor-tive Housing for the Elderly Program helps expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for the elderly that allow independent living in an environment that provides support activities such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.

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

"St. Joseph of the Pines is pleased to be able to sponsor additional housing opportunities in the Red Springs community," said Ken Cormier, president and CEO of St. Joseph of the Pines. "Consistent with our mission of serving those in need, we are committed to expanding our Providence Place properties in the future as needs develop."

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, Pine Knoll Retirement Village, the Coventry, the Health Center, and Providence Place communities.

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