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Affordable housing project caters to adults with disabilities

Seven adults with disabilities will soon be calling Elenor’s Place their home.

Seven adults with disabilities will soon be calling Elenor’s Place their home.

The $1.1-million affordable housing project, owned and operated by Catholic Social Services, will have support staff onsite to serve people with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury and fetal alcohol syndrome.

“It did fill up pretty quick,” said Karen Murphy, chief operating officer with West Central Alberta region services with Catholic Social Services.

“It would be very difficult for these folks to live on their own in a one-bedroom apartment. This way, they’re getting their very own suite and will be completely independent,” Murphy said on Friday.

Tenants will pay $550 per month plus utilities.

Construction of the eight-plex, at 3827 Ross St., started in April and two tenants have already moved in.

Funding came from Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs, the City of Red Deer and Catholic Charities.

Ken Wessel of River City Developments Ltd. was a major supporter of the project, which was named after his mother-in-law, Elenor Swanson.

“It’s beautiful,” said Swanson, 89, who came out to the grand opening and blessing of the facility on Friday.

Swanson was head of housekeeping at Michener Centre where she worked for 25 years.

szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com