Almira had already adjusted to her apartment at Heritage Court once, when she first moved from her home in Fair Haven several years ago. So the prospect of being displaced during a massive renovation was unsettling. But soon after construction began, the constant presence of work crews and helpful staff gave her comfort and a sense of security. And now in her new community, her mobility may be limited, but her independence is not.
“What I like the best about living here is that I have my own private space, yet there are people all around if I need help. I think it’s just nice to see people around. I had been locking my door, but then I thought, who’s going to break in or take anything with all these construction guys around. So I stopped worrying.
“I’ve fallen a few times, and it’s been very comforting to know there were people around to help me. The last time I fell on the sidewalk, my neighbor was right there. Another time I took the wrong medication, and my neighbor called 911 and then stayed with me until the paramedics came. It’s good to know you aren’t alone.
“I like to go shopping myself and go on the bus, but some people here go shopping for each other. And it’s nice to have the nice furniture in the community room so we can get together – I go there almost every day to work on my puzzles.”
“Affordable housing is very important to me, and now I know more about the Housing Trust. I think their work is very important, and they certainly did a wonderful job building our community. And it does feels like we are a community.”