River Trace Apartments Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

River Trace Apartments

The River Trace Apartments in Des Moines, IA celebrated their five year anniversary of the successful completion of the multifamily HUD 202 senior housing development. River Trace is a 36-unit independent living apartment development in Des Monies' Enterprise Zone. It provides housing for low-income residents aged 62 and older. HUD awarded a Section 202 Capital Advance grant for construction five years ago to the Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC), a nationally recognized non-profit organization in Des Moines that develops affordable housing for people of all ages. CHDC saw a special need in the "River Bend" neighborhood of Des Moines for low-income seniors. The project was a perfect fit for the community.

Many senior residents need a combination of housing and supportive services to live safe, comfortable and productive lives. CHDC Director, Carol Bower states, "Allowing seniors to move out of their existing homes will permit new families to move into affordable housing in the historic River Bend Neighborhood."

Resident Manager Gayle Goudling who has past experience as a manager of HUD projects in California, says she's impressed with the residents sense of ownership of River Trace -- they take great responsibility in making sure that their home continues to be clean and cheerful in the common areas.

Gayle Goulding, Manager of River Trace identified many partners. For example, Primary Health Care provides medical service, case management and many additional services. Moulton Elementary Schools located in the nearby River Bend Enterprise neighborhood implemented Senior Grandparents, a mentoring program for students and seniors. Amazing Grace Ministries, Des Moines, conducts a weekly Sunday bible study and ministry that is very popular among the residents. OASIS (Outside Activity Services for Independent Seniors) from the Jewish Federation received a grant the first few years to provide outreach and resource services to a non-Jewish community in their neighborhood.

OASIS continues to provide assistive devices screening for seniors living independently, they provide bus services to grocery stores and shopping, exercise sessions, holiday parties and alarm necklaces that are popular with seniors to alert medical professionals. The residents of River Trace feel that Pat Nerocky from the Jewish Federation knows each and every one of them and each of their needs too. She's been a very close partner during times of great needs and for the happy occasions in their lives.

Resident Johnnie Young is proud to show her bedroom in her cozy apartment. Johnnie says she mostly enjoys her privacy and her home, but is responsible for the beautiful flowers and plants in the windows of the hallway and throughout the community room.

HUD has also developed a "Neighborhood Network" computer center at River Trace. The Neighborhood Network has created so much education and interest in computer that several residents went on to obtain their own computers and continue their correspondence email and surfing the internet. Many were able to obtain refurbished computers or used computers through neighboring outreach programs.

All residents enjoy the small workout room, library, community kitchen and patio, common areas, laundry rooms and storage space available. They take great pleasure in the beauty and cleanliness of these areas. Almost weekly, the community kitchen hosts potlucks and parties which are open to the entire senior housing units. River Trace enjoys much fellowship and good times among its residents.

Many senior residents of River Trace have been neighbors in the community their entire lives -- their children have grown up together attending the same schools and organizations and the parents worked for the same employers as their neighbors. Now they are living together as seniors in independent living. They have a sense of community -- an environment that is safer and more secure than they have ever had in this neighborhood. They take pride in their sense of security and any threat to their safe environment, they respond to personally. They are fortunate to have close relationships with management, community resources and family which have enhanced their lives.

Visiting River Trace you notice immediately the vibrant, happy and invigorated residents -- residents that are taking control of their lives - living independently and making their own decisions about their future. And, they have taken control of their environment -- making it safe and secure while living in the inner-city of Des Moines.