Robbins has some good news for a change.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved $2.9 million in capital funds to help St. Joseph of the Pines build Providence Place -- a low-income apartment complex with 20 one-bedroom units for seniors age 62 and older.

"We are extremely excited about this announcement, as it enables us to expand our mission to serve those in need within Moore County," said Russell Pait, vice president of resident and support services for St. Joseph of the Pines.

The first Providence Place community opened in 1995 in Aberdeen. 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 in the fall," Pait said. "With an additional 10 to 12 months of construction time, the new apartments should be ready for occupancy before the end of 2010."

St. Joseph has been working with the Robbins town commissioners to secure approval for the site, which is close to the downtown "L" and convenient to shopping and community services. An additional two-bedroom unit will be home for a resident manager, who will help residents get community-based services helping them successfully age-in-place in their new apartments.

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

Occupancy will be available to households whose head is over 62 years of age and whose income is less than $20,250 for a single-person household or $23,100 for a two-person household.

"I am very excited," said Ken Cormier, president and CEO of St. Joseph. "After these new apartments are built, we will have a total of 205 units at our Providence Place properties in both Moore and Robeson counties. This is an excellent example of how St. Joseph of the Pines continues to fulfill its mission to provide outstanding senior living services."

Contact John Chappell at 783-5841 or by e-mail at jcappell@thepilot.com.