By Emily Ford
eford@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — Catholic officials broke ground Thursday on an affordable senior housing project near Sacred Heart Church and school.
Good Shepherd Gardens low-income senior apartments are expected to open in September 2012 and will be available to qualified seniors of all races and religions. The complex will include 18 one-bedroom affordable apartment units for people 62 years of age or older.
Rent will be based on a sliding scale depending on the residents’ income level.
The project is a joint venture between the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corporation and the N.C. Housing Foundation. Last year, the diocese received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to construct the complex.
The diocese is not taking applications yet, but people can add their name to a waiting list. A few months before the apartments open, everyone on the list will receive instructions on how and when to complete an application, said Jerry Widelski, director for the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corporation.
Applications must be completed within 90 days of the complex opening, he said.
To join the waiting list, contact Widelski at 704-370-3248 or jvwidelski@charlottediocese.org or Wendy Hutchins at 336-406-0575 or whutchins@NCHSM.org .
During a private ceremony Thursday, the Most Reverend William G. Curlin, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Charlotte, performed a site blessing and ground breaking for Good Shepherd Gardens at 375 Lumen Christi Lane.
All units will include Energy Star appliances to promote energy conservation and will be built using eco-friendly green building materials that provide a healthier living environment.
Founded in 2001 by the Most Reverend William G. Curlin, the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corporation was created to provide housing and accompanying services for seniors, people and families with low incomes and other vulnerable populations.
A dedication ceremony is planned for October 2012.
In addition to income verification, the application process includes a criminal background check and previous rental history.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.