A new development aims to show how aligning health care within senior housing can improve long-term health outcomes and stability for residents.
Developed by nonprofit National Church Residences, the 88-unit Berwyn East Place has opened to serve vulnerable residents 55 and older in Columbus, Ohio. At least 36 units will be home to those referred through the Community Shelter Board and who are experiencing advanced geriatric, disabling conditions. These include conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disease, age-related cognitive impairment, post-traumatic stress disorder, and others.
The community combines long-term rental subsidies, on-site service coordination, and collaboration with managed care partners to proactively address residents’ physical, behavioral, and social health needs.
“For many extremely low-income seniors, one medical crisis can mean losing housing stability or entering institutional care before they are ready,” said Susan DiMickele, president and CEO of National Church Residences. “Berwyn East Place reflects the way we intentionally integrate quality, affordable housing with health care partnerships and senior services, so residents have the support they need to remain stable and thrive. This model moves us closer to our vision of serving 100,000 seniors by 2030 and demonstrates what is possible when housing and health care systems work together.”
CareSource is providing a part-time LifeCoach to deliver on-site case management and individualized resident support. Buckeye Health Plan and Molina Healthcare of Ohio have provided funding to support many of the community’s supportive services and programming, including digital skills training and move-in kits that help residents establish stability from day one. Together, these partnerships strengthen access to preventative care and help reduce avoidable health crises.
Berwyn East Place residents also benefit from amenities designed to support engagement and wellness, a concierge front desk, a community room, a fitness center, a wellness suite, a conference room, a resident business center, on-site management and case management offices, a mailroom, laundry facilities, and dedicated maintenance support. On-site service coordination includes assistance with Medicaid enrollment and connections to off-site health care and supportive services, ensuring residents can access the resources they need to remain stable.
The $27 million community was made possible through a collaboration of public and private partners. The primary funding source for the development was 4% low-income housing tax credits made possible by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, which also provided permanent debt financing, a bridge loan, and HOME-American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to secure the project.
The housing tax credits, representing nearly $12 million, were purchased by UnitedHealthcare in a deal syndicated by the National Affordable Housing Trust (NAHT).
“UnitedHealth Group recognizes that access to safe, affordable housing and resident-focused services has a direct impact on health and quality of life,” said Mariannella Napolitano, director of population health, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio, part of UnitedHealth Group. “By investing in housing and the services that help older adults stay connected to care and essential resources, we’re supporting long-term stability and improved health outcomes for the residents of Berwyn East Place.”
The new community reflects what can be achieved when mission-driven capital and strong local partnerships come together to address the housing needs for older adults in Columbus, added Paul Cummings, senior vice president and director of originations and capital markets at NAHT.
Additional critical funding came from HOME-ARP dollars through the city of Columbus and the state of Ohio, and ARP Act funds from Franklin County. These one-time public investments represent nearly one-third of the total development cost and were essential to bringing the project to life, demonstrating strong local commitment to expanding affordable senior housing in the region.
Construction financing was provided by KeyBank. Through a commitment from the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), 55 apartments are supported by project-based vouchers, ensuring residents pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent.
Architectural design was led by Berardi & Partners, and construction was completed by Ruscilli Construction.