Volunteers of America to expand affordable housing community for low-income Seniors in Redford, MI

REDFORD, Mich., April 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Volunteers of America today broke ground for a new addition to the Coventry Place affordable housing community for low-income seniors in Redford.

Over $3 million has been invested to expand the housing community and add 39 apartments to the property. Volunteers of America is one of the largest nonprofit providers of affordable housing in the country, and the expansion of Coventry Place Apartments is part of a national effort to address the country's affordable housing crisis for low-income seniors, families, and people with disabilities.

"Volunteers of America is proud of its effort to address the affordable housing shortage in Michigan and across the country," said Alex Brodrick, president and chief executive officer of Volunteers of America Michigan. "The expansion of Coventry Place will provide more seniors in Redford with a safe and affordable place to call home."

The addition of 39 apartments, which will be completed within a year, will improve the property's value and contribute to the overall quality of its neighborhood.

The three-story affordable housing community currently features 44 one-bedroom and 14 studio apartments for seniors who are at or below 50 percent of the area's median income level.

The housing community also offers quality of life services to its residents, including Meals on Wheels and an onsite coordinator to provide assistance with medical and transportation needs. Nationally, Volunteers of America owns and operates more than 300 affordable housing communities in 31 states that are home to more than 20,000 people.

The ground breaking ceremony took place at the Coventry Place affordable housing community at 24200 Cathedral Avenue in Redford.

In addition to Brodrick, participants included Gale Govaere, regional representative for Senator Carl Levin; Barbara McCallahan, regional manager for Senator Debbie A. Stabenow; Larry Arreguin, community relations advisor for Governor Jennifer Granholm; State Senator Glenn S. Anderson; State Representative and House Speaker Andy Dillon; Cherlyn F. Cook, project manager, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; James Pappas, president, Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas Architects; Timothy O'Brien, president, O'Brien Waterford Construction; Rev. Dawn Batts, chairman of the board, Volunteers of America Michigan; and residents of Coventry Place Apartments.

Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential.

Through thousands of human service programs, including housing and healthcare, Volunteers of America helps more than 2 million people in over 400 communities.

Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America's most vulnerable groups, including at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions.

Our work touches the mind, body, heart-and ultimately the spirit-of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services. For more information about Volunteers of America, visit: http://www.volunteersofamerica.org/.