PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia non-profit groups Inglis and Methodist Services have partnered with the Housing Authority and various donors to open a new affordable housing community.
Inglis Methodist Gardens in Wynnefield Heights serves those who are transitioning from homelessness, along with people with disabilities.
23 of the 47 apartments are enhanced for greater independence, which is just what Karima Wooden needed.
Wooden just signed her lease after leaving an apartment that was not accessible. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a few years ago, and uses a wheelchair.
"I'm only 43 years old, so for [my health] to decline so fast, and be able to get a home to help me be independent and not fall, it means the world to me," said Wooden.
Inglis President and CEO Dyann Roth said with Philadelphia's years-long waiting list for affordable housing, this new unit is sorely needed, and the residents have access to several programs.
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"They will have support services in the building itself," said Roth.
"On the Methodist campus, there is also child care and job training programs. Inglis provides a lot of assistive technology programs."
A recent Pew report shows that four in 10 households in Philadelphia spend at least 30% of their income on housing costs.
