PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — City officials joined a local developer for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a newly renovated 31-unit affordable housing community for families, including those who are formerly homeless.
The renovated Kings Highway Apartments in Kensington will soon house at least 31 families, many of whom are moving in directly from shelters.
"A lot of heavy lifting was required to get them permanently housed, and we know from experience it is not easy, so to everyone who works so hard to make it happen, we thank you,” said Phillip Balderston, founder and CEO of Odin Properties.
The ribbon-cutting marked a collaboration between Odin Properties, the Philadelphia Housing Authority, the Office of Homeless Services, the Department of Behavioral Health, and the Division of Housing and Community Development.
Claudia Mathieu, 37, and her 4-year-old daughter, Emmy, walked in with Balderston to their new home for the first time.
"This is really ours? Oh my God, look at this... thank you!" Mathieu said.
Born in Haiti, Mathieu had spent more than three years in and out of shelters. She said she’s grateful to finally have a place to call her own for her daughter and two young sons.
"I was starting to feel a little doubtful, but my friends kept on telling me ‘you got this’, and to see my daughter so excited — I did it," she said.
The collaboration of all the partners involved, including Meridian Bank, allows them to use private capital to bring new life to this affordable housing project, and an exciting new beginning for families in need.