A grand opening celebration will be held today in Carthage for the newest of St. Joseph of the Pines’ residences for low-income seniors.

Visitors and well-wishers will make their way to Providence Place at noon for a ritual “blessing of the house” and dedication. It is the newest of four Providence Place communities.

With locations in Aberdeen, Red Springs and Robbins, the new Carthage site will add another 18 one-bedroom apartments, offering comfortable and convenient living as an affordable housing option for adults age 62 or older.

Final attention to landscaping details was still under way earlier in the week as interiors neared completion.

These apartments have ground-level entry for easy access and private parking. Each features a full kitchen, living room, full bath and bedroom. Refrigerators and range ovens are provided.

The entire complex is designed for wheelchair accessibility. Several apartments can accommodate residents with hearing or vision impairment.

“We are proud to be able to serve people in need in Moore County,” said Susie Buchanan, director of community relations for St. Joseph. “To us, this is about home. We are creating a home in Carthage for people who are in need of a blessed and beautiful place to live. We are proud we can do this in Carthage.

In 1995, St. Joseph of the Pines opened The Pines of Aberdeen, first of its Providence Place projects, with 24 residences. It has since expanded to a total of 79 units in Aberdeen, 104 units in Red Springs and 20 in Robbins. These projects are all financially assisted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In July 2010, HUD announced a capital advance in the amount of $2,747,500 for St. Joseph of the Pines to construct 18 apartment units for low-income elderly in Carthage. The nonprofit’s standing to get funding from HUD is limited to only 20 grants in the state in any year.

Applicants for these new Carthage apartments have to make their way through an approval process. It screens them by age and income level. Prospective residents will have to meet annual income limits as defined by HUD and be citizens of the United States or have eligible immigration status.

“They just have to meet HUD standards for low income elderly Section 202 housing,” Debbie Tally, accounting manager at St. Joseph, said when the Robbins unit opened. “It varies by property, because there are different levels.”

Rent is based on income level. Tenants sign annual leases, but have to be recertified every year and meet current standards for that year. Rent could change as income changes and could go up or down as a consequence.

Housing is the main thing provided, Tally said. Providence Places are not assisted-living facilities. Rather, they make possible independent living for elderly people with low-incomes who would like to be more or less on their own.

Contact John Chappell at jfchappell@gmail.com.