Saving the Santa Maria

Santa Maria Del Mar was home to more than 200 elderly residents who enjoyed the property located on the beach in Biloxi, MS. Owned by the Catholic Charities Housing Association of Biloxi, it was destroyed in August of 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. After its destruction the owners requested permission from HUD to rebuild, but far from the beach, inland, and move the existing mortgage and subsidy to the new place.

Approval to move this project with the mortgage and subsidy required complex transactions using different laws, such as HUD Sections 318 and 213, which allow for property restoration following a natural disaster. After four years of negotiations the new facility started construction - funded in part by a $23.7 million dollar grant from FEMA - and was built on Popps Ferry Road.

Finally ready to welcome its residents back, a dedication and grand opening was held June 6, 2013. The new building has 209 units and residents say they are thrilled be able to call such a beautiful new place home.

Front entrance of Santa Maria del Mar

Exterior view of Santa Maria del Mar

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