Creekside Apartments, a HUD-funded elderly apartment complex in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, opened in November 2008. It is owned and managed by the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. The project was funded through HUD's Section 202 program which helps expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for the elderly. To qualify, seniors must be 62 or older and have an annual income of less than $23,300 for a single person or $26,650 for a couple.

The 59-unit complex is home to elderly residents like Lois Nicolai who say they're happy to pay rent that's nearly half the market rate. Lois, 87, is saving about $480 a month on her spacious one-bedroom apartment. "I was paying too much rent before and I was on Social Security and broke all the time. I couldn't afford the medication I needed," she said. "It is more affordable and more secure here." She is paying about $370 a month for her one-bedroom apartment at Creekside. "I'm especially grateful because I know the real estate is really expensive out here," said Lois, who was one of the first to move in after the apartments opened. "I really wanted to stay on the southwest side of Sioux Falls."

HUD's Section 202 Program provided the funding for the project

The units provide a sense of independence while at the same time offering comfort, safety and security. "I just love it," she said. "There's plenty of room to move around, but the apartment is not so big that I can't handle it by myself." In addition to the spacious and well-decorated living quarters that Creekside offers its residents, it also provides seniors a solution to feeling lonely and isolated. There is an exercise facility and community room complete with both a library and dining area. Residents can enjoy conversation, card playing and the cozy, peaceful comforts of home all within a short distance of the main commercial areas in Sioux Falls. They also have staff to direct them to social service programs and provide access to a transportation system for those who can no longer drive.

"We're so thankful that Lois chose Creekside as her home," said Vicki Johnson, Senior Manager for the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society.