Aldersbridge Communities To Bring Affordable Housing to LGBTQ+ Elder Population

Aldersbridge Communities, a local nonprofit provider of long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, assisted living, and independent services for older adults, announces plans for its newest community, Aldersbridge at East Point.

A four-story, modern apartment building will be constructed as part of Noble Development’s 29-acre East Point housing development in the Phillipsdale area of Rumford, R.I., just off Bourne Avenue. When completed, it will provide 39 units of affordable, independent living-style housing for LGBTQI+ elders and their allies.

Aldersbridge Communities is partnering with Barbara Sokoloff Associates (Providence) and ONE Neighborhood Builders (Providence), both of which specialize in affordable housing development. Currently, funding is being finalized from multiple sources including tax increment funding from the City of East Providence and a traditional bank construction loan. A Low-Income Tax Credit from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has already been received for pre-development work to pay for the architectural design and engineering work.

“We are excited to partner with ONE Neighborhood Builders in developing the very first LGBTQIA+ community for older adults in Rhode Island,” states Richard Gamache, MS, FACHCA, chief executive officer of Aldersbridge Communities. “Our Board of Trustees has been working for some years now to find an ideal location, and it is now a reality. We’ve been caring for low- and moderate-income older adults in East Providence for over 50 years. This project symbolizes our continued respect and commitment to provide quality affordable housing for those who call our communities home.”

Several years ago, Aldersbridge Communities Trustee Jodi Glass, along with immediate past chair Jason Preciphs, formed an AldersPride Committee to educate staff members and residents about the LGBTQ community. “As an organization, we’ve been fully supportive of and welcoming to this population,” Dr. Glass comments. “LGBTQ seniors often face discrimination and bias as they enter senior housing, as they feel they have to hide their true identities from the mainstream residents. East Point is inclusive as we will market the community to LGBTQI individuals and those who consider themselves their supportive allies.”

Aldersbridge at East Point is estimated to be completed in 2023. The building will include an inviting entry foyer, light and airy apartments situated around common corridors and sitting areas, and outdoor terrace and courtyard for gathering. Other amenities are energy efficiency, open floor plans, elevators, a water feature focal point, and parking lot.

East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva states, “We are proud that the first LGBTQ-friendly affordable housing apartment building will be right here in East Providence. This will provide our senior population a safe new affordable community in the heart of Rumford. We applaud Aldersbridge for their forward thinking and are inspired by their dedication to making this happen.”

Several months ago, Noble Development acquired a remediated parcel of land along Omega Pond, formerly the site of a steel manufacturer, to develop East Point. When completed in 2023, it will offer a total of 392 housing units including 280 rental apartments and 112 condominiums for purchase. Plans call for several acres of open space, walking trails and parking lots for public use. Noble’s most notable project is Kettle Point in Riverside which features luxury waterfront condominiums, apartments and the University Orthopedics building. “Aldersbridge Communities has brought to our project a new and innovative model of housing,” states Richard P. Baccari II, president and chief executive officer of Noble Development, a subsidiary of Churchill & Banks. “It is our hope that future housing developers and municipalities will follow their lead in creating more affordable housing for the LGBTQ community.”

Several weeks ago, Aldersbridge Communities participated in East Providence’s first Pride Parade which culminated in a Pride flag raising and speeches at City Hall. “We can’t wait to welcome residents to our new community,” said Richard Gamache. “We have a lot of Townie Pride and, having just celebrated Pride month in June, we feel that our East Point project is something we can all be proud of.”