Within a 12-acre site of the Glade Run campus in Zelienople, Pennsylvania, redevelopment plans for Jeremiah Village have been put to paper by TREK Development Group, Inc. and Glade Run Lutheran Services. Intended to be the only LIHTC offering in the development, Jeremiah Village will provide 44 affordable homes within a new three-story apartment building, as well as eight detached single-family homes. Designed as a “pedestrian-oriented ‘pocket’ village,”¹ TREK Development has plans for the homes to be built around a shared greenspace for residents to engage with each other and the larger community.
Among its 44 units, 37 will serve households at or below 60% Median Income and seven will be set aside for households that include individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For these seven homes, enhanced supportive services will be provided by Glade Run Lutheran Services.
“Glade Run is pleased to be partnering with Trek Development Group to develop Jeremiah Village on our historic Zelienople campus,” said Steven T. Green, President/CEO at Glade Run Lutheran Services. “Our agency has continually evolved over the last 167 years to meet the changing needs of individuals in our region. Today our region has a great need for an inclusive, mixed ability, mixed income supportive housing community, and Glade Run is grateful for the opportunity to fill that void.”
Having served as an asset to the greater Pittsburgh area, Glade Run has become increasingly aware of the need for inclusive, independent housing opportunities for individuals on the Autism Spectrum, specifically for higher functioning adults with ASD. While available housing for these individuals tends to be group homes, apartments with separate supportive service contracts, or supportive housing for seniors/individuals with disabilities, higher functioning adults with ASD thrive within communities that offer independent living with support services available within proximity.
While Jeremiah Village will serve a specific group of individuals in need, it also makes a greater impact on the community by simultaneously providing housing options, “to attract a diverse mix of age groups, backgrounds, socio-economic circumstances, lifestyles, family compositions and professions. The Village will respond to the dreams of families with individuals with ASD by being a truly autism-friendly community where all are respected for who they are and are not segregated or isolated.¹”
In addition to the common greenspace, Jeremiah Village will be connected to existing neighborhood amenities through its walking paths and will provide ample areas for residents to connect with others or find time for themselves. Because it was built with ASD residents in mind, amenities and building features include increased sound separation, quiet fixtures, and durable finishes.
While Glade Run understands that high functioning adults with ASD are better served within communities that offer moderate services, they will offer an array of options to meet the individual needs of Jeremiah Village residents. These service offerings may include referral for case management, group therapy or outpatient counseling, as well as social skills support through courses based around safety, independent living, solutions, nutrition, and employment. Additionally, the neighboring Glade Run Zelienople campus includes several unique therapeutic offerings including a new Sensory Park and Playground and Glade Run Adventures therapeutic and experiential equine, animal, and horticulture program.
“At the root of our affordable housing mission stands the commitment to create and revitalize safe, decent residences for families and individuals to call home,” said Michael Murray, SVP, Acquisitions. “Our vision of a better future for all is propelled forward when we are able to facilitate the next step for residents through the services provided by partners and community organizations. Jeremiah Village is a perfect example of how affordable housing provides next step solutions.”
In addition to LIHTC equity, Jeremiah Village is financed with a $9.9MM construction loan from Citizens Bank, a $459K seller note from Glade Run Lutheran Services, a $750k PennHOMES loan and a $1MM PHARE loan through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, along with a $239K additional contribution from TREK Development to capitalize the Rental Subsidy Reserve.
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