Opening Doors to Assisted Living in Dallas

Fowler Christian Apartments
Fowler Christian Apartments
Fowler Christian Apartments in Dallas, Texas, was the recipient of a HUD Assisted Living Conversion Program (ALCP) grant to convert 24 existing Section 202 elderly housing independent living units to assisted living units. The converted units and associated services will support frail seniors who can live independently but require assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing, eating, and home management. The ALCP grant, in the amount of $1,302,415, will allowing residents to age in place in their community without having to move to a new residence in order to have access to more specialized care.

Fowler Christian Apartments consists of two buildings, each offering 72 one-bedroom apartments for seniors, age 62 or older. The Section 202/Section 8 complex was constructed in 1981 and is part of a 16-acre campus owned and managed by Juliette Fowler Homes Inc. Founded in 1892, Juliette Fowler Homes provides a variety of residential options for senior citizens, residential treatment for emotionally-disturbed adolescents and outpatient counseling for families and individuals of all ages. The organization is a Faith-Based Organization linked to the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in the southwest and Louisiana.

The 24 units being converted are located on the first floor of one of the two apartment buildings. The modifications to the units include making all kitchens and bathrooms barrier-free and fully accessible. Other improvements include the creation of an office space/monitoring station on the first floor of the facility for 24-hour supervision of the units, installation of a new fire sprinkler system, an upgrade of the fire alarm and smoke detection systems, and improved physical security items such as installation of automatic door closers, new apartment entry doors, and an upgraded emergency power generator. The existing cafeteria, which offers residents the opportunity to purchase a hot lunch at minimal cost, is also being upgraded and an all-weather entry way is being created between the apartment building and the dining room as well. The cafeteria will provide three daily meals for residents of the assisted living units.

Renovation of the units is taking place in two phases. Twelve units will be renovated in each phase. Residents of the units scheduled for conversion will be moved to other apartments within the two buildings. Renovation activities are expected to take place over a period of six months.

In addition to the ALCP grant, the Fowler Christian Apartments received a HUD grant in the amount of $1,350,000 to construct 21 independent living apartments for seniors with limited incomes. Residents of these new units will have access to hot lunches in the cafeteria and some supportive services such as scheduled transportation and a variety of activities. Construction is scheduled to begin in the autumn and last approximately one year.
 
Content Archived: July 22, 2011