Community Matters: Groundbreakings and Dedications (Winter 2014)

Mercy Housing Northwest partners with Urban Impact to foster good health in Seattle

Emerald City Commons in Seattle
Emerald City Commons in Seattle

Mercy Housing Northwest (MHNW) and its funding partner Urban Impact celebrated the grand opening of Emerald City Commons in October 2013. MHNW President Bill Rumpf and Urban Impact President Harvey Drake were at the grand opening and presided over the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Also in attendance were Rick Hooper, director of the City of Seattle Office of Housing; Gregory Davis of the Rainier Beach Community Empowerment Coalition; and members of the community. This new property, located in one of the nation’s most diverse neighborhoods, is MHNW’s second housing community in Seattle.

Emerald City Commons is a new mixed use community featuring 61 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and includes on-site Resident Services and a brand new Rainier Health and Fitness Center which is operated by Urban Impact.

“Emerald City Commons will provide its residents with safe and affordable housing to fulfill this most basic need and allow them to focus on things like gaining new career skills, helping their children do well in school and becoming involved  in their communities,” said Rumpf. “With the nonprofit fitness center on the ground floor and our partnerships with local clinics, the project will be a model for fostering good health.”

Mercy Housing California brings much needed affordable housing to Yolo and El Dorado counties

Ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening of Esperanza Crossing
Ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening of Esperanza Crossing

In October and November 2013, two new properties became available as affordable living options in Yolo and El Dorado Counties as Mercy Housing California (MHC) opened Esperanza Crossing and Trailside Terrace.

Residents of MHC’s Esperanza Crossing were able to start settling in the 40 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Along with drought tolerant landscaping and a large community center for services and programming for residents, Esperanza Crossing is situated on a main route within a short walk of common conveniences including schools, a library and retail establishments.

An hour drive away, Trailside Terrace is now home to 40 families and individuals in Shingle Springs, Calif. The one-, two- and three-bedroom homes at Trailside Terrace are designed around an easily accessible community room that provide services including afterschool and wellness programs.

Mercy Housing Lakefront strengthens community development in Milwaukee

McAuley Apartments  & St. Catherine’s Residences in Milwaukee.
McAuley Apartments & St. Catherine’s Residences in Milwaukee.

The Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community and the St. Catherine board of directors have entrusted Mercy Housing Lakefront (MHL) with the management and governance of St. Catherine Residence in Milwaukee, Wisc. St. Catherine Residence, which includes McAuley Apartments, provides safe, affordable housing to more than 200 women and families.

“When the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community began to consider potential partners to assure viability of this important ministry, we wanted to be certain that the Mercy ministry would continue,” said Sister Laura Reicks, Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community President. “Mercy Housing emerged as a strong option. The organization has the breadth and depth of experience in the area of affordable housing, which assured us that this will be a successful arrangement.”

Mercy Housing Lakefront is managing the ministry but the name and commitment to provide housing and support for women and families in the Milwaukee area remain the same. The merger is part of MHL’s overall affordable housing strategy to strengthen community development in the city and bring additional investment dollars and jobs.