St. Bernard Commons Construction to Begin in March
Volunteers of America will build and operate a state-of-the-art 42-bed housing community
Volunteers of America today announced it is on schedule to begin construction of a new senior citizen housing facility in the City of St. Bernard. Scheduled to break ground in March, St. Bernard Commons is a housing community that provides seniors ages 62 and older with safe, affordable, long-term housing, said Phil Nunes, executive director of Volunteers of America Ohio River Valley.
The $5 million state-of-the-art facility was designed by CR architecture + design with aging residents in mind and will feature multiple common areas as well as outdoor spaces that encourage socialization and relationship building among the residents. Final plans were approved by the City of St. Bernard in December.
As a national leader in providing senior services and an experienced affordable housing provider, operating St. Bernard Commons is a natural fit for Volunteers of America. “We are one of the country’s largest nonprofit providers of affordable senior housing; Volunteers of America nationally provides housing and services to approximately 8,000 seniors each year,” Nunes said.
Operating principle: Housing is the foundation for life
“Our history and experience give us a unique understanding of the seniors we serve,” continued Nunes. “From our beginning more than a century ago, Volunteers of America has believed in the power of housing as the foundation for life. Volunteers of America is one of the largest nonprofit developers and providers of affordable housing in the country, housing nearly 25,000 people in more than 16,000 affordable housing units.”
The new, local project is a three-level, 42-unit senior living center that will be located at the corner of Greenlee Avenue and Ross Avenue in St. Bernard. Mayor of St. Bernard, Bill Burkhardt, said the opening of the new facility will be a significant accomplishment for his community. “St. Bernard has been in pursuit of a senior housing facility for many years. I am honored to be a part of this project which will have such a meaningful impact on the people of our community.”
St. Bernard Commons will provide a familiar and supportive environment for aging seniors
“St. Bernard is a proud community of people, many of whom are born and raised here, and build their families here,” continued Mayor Burkhardt. “Unfortunately, when our residents age, many of them do not have the resources to continue to live independently and have had to relocate out of St. Bernard. St. Bernard Commons will give us the opportunity to offer affordable housing to the seniors in our community, allowing them to continue to live in a familiar and supportive environment. Partnering with Volunteers of America to build St. Bernard Commons is truly a dream come true.”
Mayor Burkhardt added that he hopes the investment being made in St. Bernard by Volunteers of America will spur additional development and create more jobs and opportunities for the people of St. Bernard and the surrounding areas.
Throughout the conceptualization and development of St. Bernard Commons, Volunteers of America made access to everyday services a priority. Nearby bus stops will offer convenient access to shopping, restaurants, the post office and a local produce and deli market. Features of the modern facility will include:
- Single living units
- Multi-purpose, community lounge and activity area
- Patios, terraces and outdoor seating
- Fully-equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and an elevator
- An exit only drive for easy access and maneuvering of emergency vehicles
The project is scheduled to be completed by early 2012. The application process for persons interested in housing is expected to be announced later this year.
Financing for St. Bernard Commons was made possible through the support of the Department of Housing and Urban Development as well as a grant from Hamilton County. Volunteers of America is the largest recipient in the nation of HUD-awarded funding for senior housing and housing for the disabled. Volunteers of America has selected Miller Valentine Group as the contractor for the project.
About Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America is a national, non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. For more than 114 years, our ministry of service has supported and empowered those who are most vulnerable in our communities, including at-risk youth, the elderly, veterans, homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities and those recovering from addictions.
Our work touches the mind, body, heart and spirit of those we serve, integrating deep compassion with highly effective programs and services. Nationally, Volunteers of America serves more than two million of our country’s most vulnerable citizens. We have served the Greater Cincinnati and Dayton areas since 1954 and assist nearly 800 people in southwest Ohio each year.