The West River Valley Senior Housing development in Townshend, Vermont has been selected as the nation's top new senior housing development by a national coalition of affordable housing developers and financers. The Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award will be presented to Housing Vermont and Valley Cares by the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition at a ceremony on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC on June 11. The award includes a $5,000 grant.
Valley Cares and Housing Vermont completed construction of West River Valley Senior Housing, a 52-unit complex on Route 35 in Townshend just north of the Grace Cottage Hospital, in October 2007. The development provides seniors with 24 independent living apartments with supportive services in one building and 28 units of assisted living in a second building. Most of the units are affordable to lower and moderate-income elders.
The West River Valley Independent Housing provides 24-units of independent senior housing in an attractive, 3-story, wood frame building on the south side of the property. The 18 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments include a mix of market-rate, affordable and rent-subsidized units. Each unit features a kitchen/dining area, living room and full bath. The building also offers an all- purpose room with library nook and laundry rooms on each floor.
The West River Valley Assisted Living Housing is housed in a two- story structure across the green from the independent apartments. The building includes a commercial kitchen, group dining, activity and living rooms, staff lounge and secure storage for medication.
The assisted living facility is licensed by the state of Vermont and care is provided up to the Enhanced Residential Care level (for those needing help with two or more activities of daily living). Services include 24-hour staffing, full meal plan, nursing assessments, personal care and medication assistance. This facility also serves households across a wide range of incomes.
The award recognizes the creative financing package assembled by Housing Vermont and Valley Cares and the high level of participation by community, federal, and state organizations. Other exceptional elements of this grass roots project included dedicated funding from the Vermont Agency of Human Services, the use of wood pellets as the main fuel source for heat and hot water, 5-star energy rating, and close working relationships with Grace Cottage Hospital.
Valley Cares operates both facilities. Those interested in learning more about West River Valley Senior Housing should contact Bob Crego at (802) 365-4115.