Serenity and Safety at Sacred Heart Village II

[Photo: Maria Bynum providing remarks at Sacred Heart Village II's ribbon cutting ceremony.]
Wilmington Field Office Director Maria Bynum provides remarks at Sacred Heart Village II's ribbon-cutting on May 12.
[Photo: Sacred Heart Village II resident in the kitchen of her new apartment.]
A Sacred Heart Village II resident shows off her new apartment. Joann loves her big microwave, her dishwasher that will help her get rid of her dishpan hands, and her "Hollywood" mirror in her bathroom.
[Photo: Maria Bynum, Stacey Taylor-Whitehead and Priscilla Rakestraw at the building's entry.]
HUD's Maria Bynum (lf) and Stacey Taylor-Whitehead (rg) join Ministry of Caring's Priscilla Rakestraw at the building's entry.
[Photo: Sacred Heart Village II's community room.]
A welcoming corner in Sacred Heart Village II's community room.

By Maria Bynum, Wilmington Field Office Director, maria.l.bynum@hud.gov

The atmosphere was electric with joy and excitement as 25 seniors who moved into brand new apartments at Sacred Heart Village II in May showed off their new homes. Eight of the 25 had been homeless before they were given the keys to their one-bedroom units complete with a microwave, a dishwasher, granite countertops and a walk-in shower. The new senior residents even received a brand-new towel and washcloth set to welcome them into their new homes.

Located in the heart of Wilmington's East Side, Sacred Heart Village II is a beautiful red brick complex with an impressive wooden entry door that transforms the city block and stabilizes the neighborhood. It is a "safe haven" for these very low-income seniors, 62 and older, to age in place. The complex provides laundry facilities on each floor, activity rooms, a café and a convenience store.

HUD provided more than $4 million in funding for the facility through its Section 202 Program. Other funders include the city of Wilmington, New Castle County and the state of Delaware. The building was dedicated on May 12, 2017 in honor of Julie and Charles Cawley in recognition of their outstanding service to the poor, and their commitment to affordable housing.

HUD Multifamily Account Executive Stacey Taylor-Whitehead joined Wilmington Field Office Director Maria Bynum for the dedication and tour. Afterwards, Stacey commented, "What a great experience it was seeing seniors happy, safe and benefiting from HUD's contribution to this beautiful facility."

The Ministry of Caring, a Wilmington, Delaware nonprofit agency with 40 years of experience serving the needs of the poor, sponsored the project.

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Content Archived: January 9, 2019