On Wednesday, February 12, the Housing Network of Rhode Island and Church Community Housing Corporation welcomed state and local legislators to a guided tour of West House II, a recently completed affordable housing development for older adults in Middletown.
“West House II is a prime example of how affordable housing can transform communities, in this case providing older adults with the opportunity to age in the community while knowing their housing costs are stable,” said Melina Lodge, Executive Director of the Housing Network of Rhode Island. “Home is the foundation of a person’s life, and access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is essential for individuals and communities to thrive. By investing in developments like this across the state, we can ensure that all Rhode Islanders have a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home.”
West House II is the second phase of the existing West House, an abutting senior affordable housing complex. The development will consist of 54 affordable, accessible apartments, 40 one-bedroom units, and 14 two-bedroom units, for residents aged 55 and older who earn up to 60% of the area median income (AMI (up to $55,620 for a one-person household and $63,540 for a two-person household).
“As Rhode Island continues to face a growing need for affordable housing, especially for seniors, West House II represents a critical step toward addressing this gap,” said Christian Belden, Executive Director of Church Community Housing Corporation, the project’s developer. “We are proud to extend the success of West House and look forward to showing the community how this project will further support our seniors.”
West House II is a passive house development built to meet the world’s most stringent residential energy efficiency standards. It is also conveniently located near public transportation and other local amenities.
“It is essential that residents of Aquidneck Island, and all Rhode Islanders, are able to remain in their community as they age,” said Rhode Island Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis DiPalma. “That means making sure people can afford a stable, secure place to live, and it means providing the kind of supports and resources that people need as they age. West House II helps us meet those objectives, and it represents a critical piece of the puzzle in addressing Rhode Island’s housing crisis. Thanks to the Church Community Housing Corporation, the Housing Network of Rhode Island, and the many other stakeholders who have contributed to this important project.”
The 2024 HousingWorks RI Fact Book highlights a severe housing crisis in Middletown and Southeastern Rhode Island (Barrington, Bristol, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Warren). In Middletown, where the median income is $97,555, more than 3,000 households earn less than 80% of the area median income, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and 2,470 households are considered cost-burdened.
“I appreciate the opportunity to see first-hand how community partners are working together to address the housing needs of Rhode Islanders, said Representative Michelle McGaw. “Housing accessibility has been a big priority for me and my colleagues in the RI House of Representatives and it’s exciting to see that focus and investment reflected in ways that directly impact the quality of life for our neighbors.”
West House II was designed by Union Studio and developed by Church Community Housing Corporation.
The Housing Network of Rhode Island and Church Community Housing Corporation provided the following photos from the visit.
