MetLife Foundation and Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. (Enterprise) today named Mercy Housing Lakefront and Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago as recipients of the 2013 MetLife Foundation Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing, lauding the nonprofits’ Roseland Place Senior Apartments.

This year’s MetLife Foundation Award focused on connecting senior housing to health care programs, supportive services and green building standards. Four winners were selected in the national competition, with each receiving a $50,000 unrestricted grant to sustain and to expand its work in senior housing.

“With the rapid growth of the aging population and increasing longevity, senior housing coupled with preventative health care and supportive programs is essential to provide for older adults’ needs,” said Dennis White, President and CEO, MetLife Foundation. “We are pleased to join Enterprise in recognizing Mercy Housing Lakefront and Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago for their leadership in service-enriched, senior housing.”

“From its design to supportive services, the Roseland Place Senior Apartments provides a model on how to build a senior housing community offering comprehensive care,” said Andy Geer, Vice President and Chicago market leader, Enterprise. “We’re proud to be a part of the MetLife Foundation Awards and honor Roseland Place.”

Mercy Housing Lakefront and Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago co-developed Roseland Place Senior Apartments as part of the Roseland Senior Campus, which provides a continuum of care to older adults with assisted living and grand family apartments nearby. Residents also have access to a 7,000-square-foot Senior Satellite Center operated by the City of Chicago that includes a library, a computer lab, a large multi-purpose room and a fitness room.

At Roseland Place, Mercy Housing Lakefront has developed an evidence-based senior service model designed to improve the long-term health and wellness of the residents.  This service model includes health assessments, well-being checks, healthcare referrals, nutrition, arts and recreational classes.

Located on Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s Roseland community, the five-story, 60-apartment building was built to Enterprise Green Communities and Chicago Green Homes Program standards. Green features include solar thermal panels, advanced air sealing, super-insulated walls and built-in recycling centers on each floor.

“We are very honored to receive the 2013 MetLife Foundation Award of Excellence in Affordable Housing on behalf of the Roseland Place Senior Apartments,” said Cindy Holler, President, Mercy Housing Lakefront. “The vision for the Roseland Place Senior Apartments was to provide a continuum of care in an affordable, service-rich environment for seniors. We applaud Enterprise Community Partners and the MetLife Foundation sharing in this vision.”

The other winners of the 2013 MetLife Foundation Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing are:

• Christian Church Homes of Northern California for Sierra Meadows in Visalia, CA
• REACH Community Development for Walnut Park Apartments in Portland, OR
• Presbyterian Senior Living for Presbyterian Apartments in Harrisburg, PA

Established in 1996, the MetLife Foundation Awards have honored 97 affordable housing providers across the country and awarded a total of $2.1 million to the winners. Created to showcase models of excellence in design, supportive services, operations and property management in affordable housing, the awards have elevated the winning organizations through support and recognition for their work.

“This year’s recipients have adeptly responded to the increased need to connect primary and preventative health to senior housing, while navigating the ever-changing healthcare landscape,” noted Victoria Shire, Vice President, Vulnerable Populations, Enterprise. “These organizations have determined how to best direct internal resources and how to leverage external partnerships to ensure their residents receive maximum services within a safe, healthy, supportive environment to enjoy their lives.”

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement.  The Foundation is committed to building a secure future for individuals and communities worldwide which is reflected in its new focus on financial inclusion.  MetLife Foundation supports innovative approaches to help low income people acquire the financial tools and capabilities to dramatically improve their lives. Since it was established, it has provided more than $570 million in grants and $100 million in program-related investments to nonprofit organizations.

Enterprise works with partners nationwide to build opportunity. We create and advocate for affordable homes in thriving communities linked to jobs, good schools, health care and transportation. We lend funds, finance development and manage and build affordable housing, while shaping new strategies, solutions and policy. Over more than 30 years, Enterprise has created 300,000 homes, invested nearly $14 billion and touched millions of lives. Join us at www.EnterpriseCommunity.com or www.EnterpriseCommunity.org.

Mercy Housing Lakefront (MHL) is one of the largest and most innovative community development organizations in the Chicago and Milwaukee regions.  MHL has developed and currently manages 27 affordable rental properties enabling 3,900 people to live in hope.  MHL has 26 years of experience and has earned more than 60 community development awards.  Mercy Housing Lakefront and its sister-organizations are working together to fulfill a ten-year Moving Forward Together campaign to build or preserve 7,500 affordable homes, create 8,000 jobs, and prevent displacement or homelessness for 20,000 people in the Chicago and Milwaukee regions.  Please find additional information at www.mercyhousinglakefront.org