Press Releases
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May 2024: Affordable Senior Housing Community Breaks Ground in Chula Vista
[May 2024] [Chula Vista, CA] – On May 10th, a groundbreaking celebration was held for Congregational Place, a 56-unit, affordable senior housing community in Chula Vista. Guest speakers included Chula Vista Mayor John McCann and representatives from the California State Assembly and Chula Vista City Council.
Congregational Place will be the second community of its kind in Chula Vista that has resulted from a partnership between Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF) and Community Congregational Development Corporation (CCDC). What makes this affordable community unique is that 2,083 square feet of commercial space on the first floor will be leased to San Ysidro Health; their plan is to operate a PACE program for income and age-eligible seniors in the South Bay area.
“This groundbreaking is the result of a significant, multi-year collaboration; government, public companies, and nonprofit organizations have come together to make something happen that everyone agrees is a critical need in this community,” Stuart Hartman, President & CEO of RHF, stated.
“As a nonprofit whose mission is to serve fixed-income seniors in the South Bay, CCDC is thrilled to partner with RHF in our second affordable senior housing residence in Chula Vista,” said Ruth Jones, President of CCDC. “We are particularly pleased that San Ysidro Health will occupy the first-floor commercial space, where it will operate a PACE program, providing healthcare for fixed-income seniors at Congregational Place but also for qualifying seniors throughout the surrounding South Bay area.”
About RHF:
Founded in 1961, RHF is a national non-profit organization with a mission to provide a range of housing options and services for older adults, low-income families, and persons with disabilities. RHF is affiliated with the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries of the United Church of Christ and LeadingAge and its state affiliates, and also co-sponsors housing developments with other varied denominational and community organizations. RHF sponsors and manages 182 communities in 27 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and St. Croix, Virgin Islands. More than 19,000 people call an RHF community “home.”
About Community Congregational Development Corporation (CCDC):
Community Congregational Development Corporation is a 501(c)(3) corporation based in Chula Vista and created to assist seniors, particularly in the South Bay, with affordable housing, transportation, and programs to promote social engagement. In the past 10 years, they have given millions of dollars to a number of South Bay organizations that provide programs and services to seniors.
Download a PDF of our press release. (Opens in a new window)
November 8, 2022: RHF Celebrates $1.6 Million Renovation of Affordable Senior Housing Community
Bonham, TX (November 8, 2022) An event was held on Tuesday, November 8th to celebrate the re-dedication of Pecan Place, an affordable housing community for older adults, after a $1.6 million renovation project.
Speakers for this event included Bonham Mayor H.L. Compton and a representative from the office of U.S. Congressman Pat Fallon. The program also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a message from Stuart Hartman, President, and CEO of RHF (Retirement Housing Foundation), Pecan Place’s parent organization.
Pecan Place, a HUD 202 community for seniors originally built in 1990, has 40 spacious, one-bedroom and studio, cottage-style apartments. Each apartment includes a full kitchen, living/dining area, and a full bathroom. Pecan Place is one of 17 RHF communities in the state of Texas.
The renovation project at Pecan Place included structural work, administration, and common area improvements, and extensive updates to the individual units like new bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures, new paint, new appliances, new cabinets and countertops, new light fixtures, and new windows. The RHF Charitable Foundation gave a $25,000 grant to Pecan Place to pay for new furniture in the community room and a portion of the landscaping.
About RHF: Founded in 1961, RHF is a national non-profit organization with a mission to provide a range of housing options and services for older adults, low-income families, and persons with disabilities. RHF is affiliated with the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries of the United Church of Christ and LeadingAge and its state affiliates, and also co-sponsors housing development with other varied denominational and community organizations. RHF sponsors and manages 194 communities in 29 states and Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. More than 20,000 people call an RHF community “home.”
November 2022: RHF Acquires Affordable Housing for Older Adults in Mason City, IA
Mason City, IA (October 31, 2022) RHF (Retirement Housing Foundation) has acquired Regency Apartments, an affordable housing community for older adults in Mason City and the Organization’s seventh community in the state of Iowa.
“Preserving affordable housing is a priority for RHF,” said Stuart Hartman, RHF’s President and CEO. “There is a large portfolio of affordable senior housing communities in this country that is in danger of being converted into market rate housing and we cannot allow that to happen.”
Regency Apartments, a three-story, 40-unit community, has been in operation since 1981. Community amenities include laundry facilities and a community room for activities. Regency Apartments is subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development where residents pay approximately 30% of their adjusted income in rent. Regency Apartments is also located adjacent to Pilgrim Place, another RHF affordable senior housing community.
This acquisition is an example of RHF’s ongoing efforts to preserve affordable housing throughout the country. With this purchase, Regency Apartments will remain an affordable housing community for limited income seniors for decades to come.
“I am pleased to welcome Regency Apartments and its residents to the RHF family of communities,” Hartman continues. “I encourage anyone who owns an affordable housing community that is in need of refinancing or rehab work, a property they would like to see developed into affordable housing, or an existing affordable community that they are interested in selling to contact RHF by emailing info@rhf.org to see how we can help.”
About RHF: Founded in 1961, RHF is a national non-profit organization with a mission to provide a range of housing options and services for older adults, low-income families, and persons with disabilities. RHF is affiliated with the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries of the United Church of Christ and LeadingAge and its state affiliates, and also co-sponsors housing development with other varied denominational and community organizations. RHF sponsors and manages 194 communities in 29 states and Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. More than 22,000 people call an RHF community “home.”
October 2022: RHF Welcomes Two New Executive Team Members
Long Beach, CA: RHF (Retirement Housing Foundation), one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of affordable housing and services, has hired a new Vice President of Affordable Housing Operations and a Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
On October 3, 2022, Yuri Escandon joined the RHF Team as Vice President of Affordable Housing Operations. He oversees the daily operations of Foundation Property Management and RHF Management, Inc., the arm of RHF that is responsible for its 180 affordable housing communities for low-income seniors, working families, and persons with disabilities.
Mr. Escandon brings 20 years of experience in nonprofit affordable housing management, focusing on effective leadership, operational insight, and innovative property management strategies. Mr. Escandon is a licensed California Real Estate Broker and is continuing his education at the Davis School of Gerontology.
Andre Perry joined RHF on October 10, 2022, as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a newly created position within the organization that oversees Development, Acquisitions, and Affordable Housing Operations.
Mr. Perry brings more than 20 years of experience in the fields of real estate development, affordable housing finance, nonprofit management law, and real estate finance, and most recently served as Manager of the Proposition HHH Unit and Multifamily Tax-Exempt Bond Unit for the City of Los Angeles’s Housing Department (LAHD). He holds a law degree from Wayne State University Law School and university honors degrees in Economics and Mathematics from Wayne State University. You can learn more about Mr. Escandon and Mr. Perry under the Newsroom/Executive Team section of our website, www.RHF.org.
You can learn more about Mr. Escandon and Mr. Perry under the Newsroom/Executive Team section of our website, www.RHF.org.
About RHF: Founded in 1961, RHF is a national non-profit organization with a mission to provide a range of housing options and services for older adults, low-income families, and persons with disabilities. RHF is affiliated with the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries of the United Church of Christ and LeadingAge and its state affiliates, and also co-sponsors housing development with other varied denominational and community organizations. RHF sponsors and manages 194 communities in 29 states and Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. More than 22,000 people call an RHF community “home.”
July 2022: RHF Acquires Affordable Housing for Older Adults in Effingham, IL
RHF Acquires Affordable Housing for Older Adults in Effingham, IL Effingham, IL (July 7, 2022) RHF (Retirement Housing Foundation) has acquired Slate Creek Apartments, an affordable housing community for older adults in Effingham, and the organization’s third community in the state of Illinois. “I am pleased to welcome Slate Creek Apartments and its residents to the RHF family of communities,” said Stuart Hartman, President, and CEO of RHF. “There is a large and growing need for affordable housing and we are doing our best to address that need.” Slate Creek Apartments, a three-story, 113-unit community, has been in operation since 1979. Community amenities include laundry facilities, controlled entry access, and a community room for activities. Slate Creek Apartments is subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development and residents pay approximately 30% of their adjusted income in rent. This acquisition is an example of RHF’s ongoing efforts to preserve affordable housing throughout the country. With this purchase, Slate Creek Apartments will remain an affordable housing community for limited-income seniors for decades to come.February 2022: RHF Receives Grant to Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Education
(February 15, 2022) Long Beach, CA – We are pleased to announce that RHF (Retirement Housing Foundation) has been selected to receive a $10,000 grant through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccine Equity and Access Program (VEAP) to increase COVID-19 and influenza vaccine confidence and access among older adults.
“RHF is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. We are proud to partner with LeadingAge in this initiative to keep older adults informed of vaccination benefits and encourage those who need a vaccination to get one,” Stephanie Titus, Vice President of Philanthropy, RHF.
The $10,000 grant was offered as part of a national partnership between LeadingAge, a national association of nonprofit aging services providers, and CDC partner Community Catalyst to strengthen vaccine education through community outreach and community-provider coalitions. RHF, a LeadingAge member, will use the grant to encourage residents in its senior affordable housing communities to get vaccinated.
November 2020: Retirement Housing Foundation Names Stuart Hartman Next President and CEO After Extensive National Search
RHF’s current President and CEO, Dr. Laverne Joseph, will remain in his position and continue to lead RHF until his retirement on February 28, 2021. In the next three months, Dr. Joseph and Mr. Hartman will work closely to prepare for a smooth transition of leadership.
Mr. Hartman has served in a variety of positions during his career at RHF. He has nearly 40 years of property management, resident services, and construction experience (for-profit and non-profit). He will be RHF’s fourth President and CEO in the organization’s 60-year history.
September 2020: Retirement Housing Foundation Acquires 100 Unit, Affordable Apartment Community for Families in Attleboro, MA
“I am pleased to welcome Hillcrest Acres to the RHF family of 198 communities,” said Dr. Laverne Joseph, President, and CEO of RHF. “There is a large and growing need for affordable housing and we are doing our best to address that need.”
Completed in 1974, Hillcrest Acres is a garden-style multifamily community conveniently located on just over 9 wooded acres in Attleboro, MA. Consisting of ten residential buildings spread throughout the property, Hillcrest Acres offers spacious flats as well as townhouse-style living. Also, on-site are picnic and barbecue areas, play areas, and a 3,000 square foot community/office building. Nestled between Providence, RI, just 13 miles south, and the City of Boston, 35 miles to the north, there is no shortage of things to do.
July 2020: Retirement Housing Foundation and City of Pasadena Work Together to Preserve Affordable Housing
Pasadena, CA– The Concord, a 149-unit affordable apartment community for low-income seniors, is scheduled to begin a $17 million renovation in mid-July.
Plans include renovating all common areas, adding a computer lab for residents, and creating a media area. We also plan to enhance a landscaped outdoor area for residents to enjoy. All balcony railings will be replaced and windows will be replaced with energy-efficient windows.
It is planned to replace all plumbing, throughout the building, all electrical systems, including the emergency generator and the fire alarm system. The existing emergency-call system will be upgraded and a new security system will be installed.
April 2020: President and CEO of Leading Affordable Housing Provider to Retire
Dr. Laverne R. Joseph has announced that he will be retiring as President and CEO of Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF), a non-profit provider of housing and services, as of March 1, 2021. He has served in this position since July of 1987.
During Dr. Joseph’s 33 years with RHF, the organization has more than tripled in size. Dr. Joseph has gained national stature, respect, and recognition in the fields of senior and affordable housing. He is a founding member of the National Affordable Housing Trust (NAHT), serves on LeadingAge California’s Public Policy Committee and Affordable Housing Cabinet frequently addresses professional service organizations and churches regarding housing and social service programs and issues, and has testified 12 times before Senate and Housing committees on issues concerning national housing and services legislation.
September 2019: Dr. Laverne Joseph Named Pioneer in Affordable Housing
March 2019: Affordable Housing Community Celebrates $10 Million Renovation with Re-Dedication Event
June 2018: Continuing a Mission of Providing Affordable Housing for Seniors of Perryville
October 2017: Retirement Housing Foundation Sends Donation to UCC’s Disaster Ministries for Hurricane Relief
August 2017: Retirement Housing Foundation Matches Donations up to $50,000 for Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts
May 2017: UCC Minister Honored For His Work in the Field of Affordable Housing
Joseph, who leads one of the nation’s largest faith-based providers of affordable housing, is the recipient of the 2017 Ursinus College Alumni Award for Service to Humanity. Joseph is a United Church of Christ minister and a 1960 graduate of Ursinus.
April 2017: Last HUD 202 Community for Low-Income Seniors Opens in San Antonio
A celebration will be held in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, April 27th to commemorate the grand opening of Darson Marie Terrace, an RHF (Retirement Housing Foundation) housing community for low-income seniors and the last HUD 202 community to be built in San Antonio. This event will also serve as a celebration of the 55th anniversary of RHF.
April 2017: Last HUD 202 Community for Low-Income Seniors Opens in Houston
A celebration will be held in Houston, Texas on Tuesday, April 25th to commemorate the grand opening of Sagetree Terrace, an RHF (Retirement Housing Foundation) housing community for low-income seniors and the last HUD 202 community to be built in Houston. This event will also serve as a celebration of the 55th anniversary of RHF.
February 2017: Two Affordable Housing Communities Break Ground in Los Angeles
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held for Crenshaw Gardens, an RHF (Retirement Housing Foundation) tax credit housing community for low-income families, and Crenshaw Villas, an RHF tax credit housing community for low-income older adults, in the West Adams-Baldwin Hills-Leimert area of Los Angeles on February 28th at 2 p.m.
October 2016: Housing Community for Low-Income Families Opens in Oxnard, CA
A celebration will be held in Oxnard, California on Thursday, October 13th to commemorate the grand opening of RHF Sonata at Riverpark, an RHF (Retirement Housing Foundation) housing community for low-income families. This event will also serve as a celebration of the 55th anniversary of RHF.
March 2016: Final HUD 202 Community in Houston Breaks Ground
RHF’s Sagetree Terrace, the last new construction project in Houston- funded by the HUD 202 program, broke ground on Wednesday, March 2nd with a ceremony and celebration held on the project site.
September 2015: Affordable Senior Apartment Community Opens in Charlotte
One of the Last Construction Projects Funded by the HUD 202
Program Celebrates with a Dedication Ceremony
On September 23 Barringer Gardens, an affordable apartment community for low and fixed-income seniors celebrated its opening with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials and civic leaders.
August 2015: Henry Cisneros and Area Officials Attend Groundbreaking Ceremony for San Antonio’s Newest Affordable Senior Apartment Community
Henry Cisneros, Executive Chairman of City View and former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other state and local officials helped break ground on Darson Marie Terrace, San Antonio’s newest affordable senior apartment community, at a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, August 19th.
