By Thea Jarvis

Catholic Housing Initiatives, Inc., has received archdiocesan approval for construction of Good Shepherd Place, a housing complex for low- and moderate-income senior citizens to be located in Cumming.

The project, which will include 48 one- and two-bedroom apartments on 12 acres of land, was recommended to Archbishop James P. Lyke, OFM, by the Archdiocesan Planning and Development Council, the Priests’ Council and the Archdiocesan Finance Committee in April.

Archbishop Lyke said the plan to bring affordable housing for senior citizens into this area of North Georgia is “exciting” and brings to life the Church’s commitment to the elderly.

“I support the project wholeheartedly,” the archbishop said. “I am particularly glad that it addresses the needs of senior citizens and that it brings an out reach of the Church beyond metro Atlanta into North Georgia.”

Faye Landey, director of Catholic Housing Initiatives, (CHI), said approval means detailed architectural plans can be drawn and the sale of tax credits, the project’s primary funding source, can begin.

“Those are the first two major steps,” said Mrs. Landey, adding that CHI hopes to break ground in October of this year and complete construction by next spring or early summer.

A contract will be submitted for construction bids once the architect’s plans are completed. Foley Design Associates Architects, Inc. of East Point has already drawn the preliminary site plans.

Good Shepherd Place will be open to people aged 55 and older. An income ceiling for residents is currently set at under $20,100. Proposed rents are $343 for one-bedroom unit and $453 for two bedrooms. Residents will be responsible for their own utilities.

Several units have been designed for the handicapped and all units can be modified for use by handicapped persons.

Mrs. Landey said the current waiting list for Good Shepherd Place includes local Cumming residents and those who have read about the complex in The Georgia Bulletin. In addition, she indicated, referrals have come from Senior Citizens Services of North Fulton County.

“Word travels fast,” said Mrs. Landey, who feels low-cost housing for seniors is critical. “People need a safe, secure, clean environment where they can enjoy the dignity of life they deserve. People on a limited income have to watch their budget.”

Apartments at Good Shepherd Place will be equipped with emergency call systems, as well as smoke detectors and sprinkler systems in each unit. The complex is within walking distance of a bank, drugstore and grocery and is located in a residential area.

The site is located on 12 acres of property on the Canton Highway off Kelly Mill Branch in Cumming.

It is a place people will feel “proud to invite friends and family” to see, Mrs. Landey said.

Social services for Good Shepherd residents will be provided by The Place, Catholic Social Services’ rural outreach in Cumming directed by Dominican Sisters Kathryn Cliatt and June Racicot.

“Affordable housing is shrinking rapidly,” Sister Cliatt said of the North Georgia area, while “the cost of living is rising.”

Good Shepherd, which she describes as “a very good project, with excellent volunteers, excellent expertise,” will help fill the gap for seniors on limited incomes.

Land for the complex was purchased by North Corners Limited Partnership in December, 1991. Catholic Housing Initiatives, Inc., one of four corporations within the archdiocesan Secretariat for Social Concerns, is general partner in North Corners.

Investors who purchase limited partnership interests in Good Shepherd Place will obtain low-income housing tax credits and other tax benefits. CHI will serve as general partner of Good Shepherd Place. The limited partnership interests will be offered in a private placement this summer.

In addition to the sale of tax credits, funding for the project will come from Home Trust Bank, the Georgia Housing Trust Fund, a CHI equity grant and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The project is structured financially so that CHI’s developer fees are used totally for Good Shepherd’s development expenses, the equity of the complex, and rent subsidization of those unable to meet minimum rental costs.

“We’re a good risk,” said Mrs. Landey, noting that because of innovative financing underpinning the project, the amount of monies borrowed will be low.

Good Shepherd Place will be Catholic Social Services’ first attempt at an independent living model for seniors. A sister corporation, Catholic Personal Care Homes, operates residences in Atlanta, East Point and Riverdale which offer expanded care for elderly who are unable to live on their own.

“We have a win-win situation here,” said George Aulbach, retired president and chief executive officer of Laing Properties, who is authorized by CHI to place limited partnership interests. “The profits made by the developer are all being contributed back into the project.”

“Through people buying low-income tax partnerships, the poor elderly have a decent place to live. The investor is doing something to help the poor, but can still make a good return on his or her investment. They are helping to share their affluence with the poor. And it is fulfilling one of the ministries of the Church.”

(For further information on the project, contact Faye Landey at Catholic Housing Initiatives, 680 West Peachtree St., NW, Atlanta 30308).