HUD Lends a Helping Hand to Seniors in Pennsylvania

Officials celebrating the opening of Grace Court - Pictured from the left: Brenda Laroche, HUD Deputy Regional Director; Presby's Inspired Life President and CEO Judee M. Bavaria; Estelle Richman, HUD Chief Operating Officer; Mercy Health System Senior Vice President for Mission and Sponsorship, Sister Kathleen Keenan; and Mercy Health System President and CEO H. Ray Welch.

Grace Court residents who need a helping hand as they age in place will soon have their units converted so they can live independently and still receive the support they require in an environment where they’re comfortable. HUD’s Chief Operating Officer Estelle Richman and Deputy Regional Director Brenda Laroche were on hand for the dedication of the facility which houses 100 seniors in Yeadon, Pennsylvania.

The Sisters of Mercy were able to build the development in 1988 through HUD's Section 202 Program and they named it Mercy Court. When they received a $2 million Assisted Living Conversion Grant to convert 20 existing units into assisted living units, Mercy Health System turned over the project to Presby Inspired Life.

The transition of the project to Presby was celebrated on Friday, February 5, 2010 with many of the residents on hand to share in the dedication of the facility with a new name, Grace Court. Presby officials credited HUD’s Multifamily Program staff in Philadelphia with facilitating the transition of the project from Mercy to Presby.

Brenda Laroche and Estelle Richman reviewing the Grace Court blueprints.

Residents were happy to show off their one bedroom units to Ms. Richman and Ms. Laroche. Units like these will be converted to accessible assisted living units. Blueprints show additional proposed building renovations to include a dining room, a commercial kitchen, laundry facilities, wellness center, storage area, therapy and rehab room and an interconnected sitting and activity area.

"When all is said and done, this facility will allow residents to successfully age in place while maintaining their independence and their dignity," said Laroche. "Partnerships that allow our seniors to enjoy their golden years help Mercy, Presby and HUD deliver on our goal of improving the quality of life and housing for this generation and generations to come."