Senior Services

Shovels Up, Hard Hats Down

Catholic Charities Housing proudly announces that the Glenwood Springs City Council has given the green light to our new affordable housing initiative for senior residents – The Benedict, a 34-unit project catering to individuals aged 62 and older.

With 1,925 apartments in 34 locations across Northern Colorado, including three projects in the Roaring Fork Valley, Catholic Charities Housing is dedicated to addressing the housing needs of our communities.

The $23 million project features a four-story building that will be constructed on a half-acre lot at the intersection of Midland and 27th Street, just steps from the 27th street underpass and RFTA Bus Rapid Transit station. The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025.

During the January 2024 City Council meeting, Patricia Leonetti, a 93-year-old resident, passionately pleaded for the facility’s construction, emphasizing its necessity in Glenwood Springs. Ellen Dole thanked the Catholic Charities Housing for recognizing the need for senior housing, echoing the sentiment that aging individuals prefer to remain in their familiar communities.

The Benedict addresses affordability with a focus on residents with varying income levels. Community Housing Requirements stipulate that 20% of the units should be resident-occupied with incomes restricted to 100% Area Median Income (AMI). The Benedict, however, goes further, proposing a 40-year restriction on units, limiting incomes between 30% and 80% AMI, resulting in monthly rents ranging from $550 to $1,500.

Justin Raddatz, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Housing, emphasized the project’s importance in serving vulnerable seniors on fixed incomes. “We have a great vision for this project,” said Raddatz. “We believe we’ll be able to serve this community by strengthening the support we all have for our seniors and giving them a comfortable, beautiful and affordable place to live. We’re eager to break ground and get the project underway.”

The Benedict is named after Fritz and Fabi Benedict who were dedicated and generous benefactors in the valley and bequeathed a generous gift to Catholic Charities Housing for a project like this. Mr. Benedict was part of the 10th Mountain Division, established the hut system in the area and was an understudy of Frank Lloyd Wright.

“I can’t think of a better place than the Benedict for seniors to live affordably and within the beauty of the valley.”

With age comes wisdom, but it can also come with a loss of community and independence. Catholic Charities’ Mulroy Senior Center serves adults over 55 with on-site services to prevent isolation by providing a community and assistance specially designed to meet the needs of older adults and empty nesters.

Participants at Mulroy can join in on activities Monday- Thursday from 9-2. P.M. where a nutritious meal provided by Volunteers of America. Margarita Ceballos-Gomez, program coordinator for Mulroy, says, “This meal alone is so essential because some participants are unable to cook for themselves, and it may be the only meal they eat for the day – as they may not have the resources due to lack of transportation to shop for groceries or lack the financial capability to buy nutritious ingredients.”

After enjoying good food and good company, participants are encouraged to build community and have some fun. Many participate in activities such as Tai Chi or yoga, while others work out their brains with puzzles, games and arts and crafts projects.

Mulroy Senior Center is located at 3550 W. 13th Avenue close to Paco Sanchez Park, southwest of Colfax and Federal. The lively center is filled with the art and wisdom of the community. Hanging on the walls are the beautifully completed puzzles and artwork of our community members. One of the most notable projects done was a white board where participants were asked to give a piece of advice to younger generations: 

“Live life fully and don’t put yourself in sticky situations”

“Just be who you are. Never give up on yourself and follow your dreams. Never let anyone stand in your way.”

“Look up to older generations – you can learn a lot”.

Mulroy is a wonderful place to find friendship and activities. But don’t just take our word for it.  Here’s what some of our community members say:

“Mulroy has been my social outlet. After my wife passed, I felt lonely, and I have found a family here.”

“Mulroy has supported me morally, spiritually, and physically. I enjoy the distractions I have here…. “

“Delicious Coffee, exercise, bingo, friends and feeling like I am still part of society. I feel valued and respected. My opinion matters here – I belong here at Mulroy, there is no way you can beat that!”

Moving into this new stage of life can be a difficult transition, but there is no need to go it alone.  Here at Mulroy, we have created a community that we are proud of and hope to keep growing.