“This place is the best. I don’t know where I’d be without it.”
Bettie Johnson has called Cathedral Plaza her home for the past nine years. In that time, she has solidified her position as a “resident celebrity” who has a way of making everyone feel better after being with her.
At 76, she makes it her mission every day to brighten the halls and can’t go too far before being stopped by her neighbors who she calls friends. A few residents even asked for her autograph as she smiled and posed in the lobby. Fitting that her shirt that day read “kind people are my kind of people.”
Before moving to Cathedral Plaza, Bettie resided in a dim and gloomy garden level apartment in Denver with minimal sunlight. One of her biggest concerns was the cost of a new apartment and how she was going to pay for it. The place wasn’t meant for someone as bright and infectious as Bettie. One day, she and her grandson started their trek to apply for affordable housing around Denver.
Cathedral Plaza was always at the top of her list. When she got the call that her application was accepted, she already felt happier than she had in months. And because Cathedral Plaza’s location is so convenient, Bettie didn’t have to worry about having to pay for a car or insurance. Reflecting on those days before she got the call, Bettie says her previous living situation was a stark contrast to her current home. She moved to Denver years ago, but never expected to have to worry about where she could live.
Having found what she calls, “the best place to live” in Cathedral Plaza, a housing community managed by Catholic Charities Housing, Bettie considers it to be the greatest comfort. The transition to Cathedral Plaza marked a significant turning point for Bettie, as she found herself surrounded by a welcoming community and a brighter, more uplifting environment.
As a recipient of housing assistance, Bettie is deeply grateful for the support that has allowed her to establish a sense of security and belonging at Cathedral Plaza. She cherishes the moments spent in the communal areas, engaging in conversations with her neighbors and participating in various activities organized by the community. A few weeks ago, she spent her evening dancing to jazz music with staff and other residents, reminiscing over her days dancing at Denver jazz clubs.
“This place is the best. I don’t know where I’d be without it. The staff makes us feel like we are people, not just seniors,” shared Bettie.
For Bettie, Cathedral Plaza is not just a place to reside; it’s a nurturing environment that has enriched her life in countless ways. Whether she is on a community outing or sharing stories with her peers, Bettie finds solace and contentment in her home at Cathedral Plaza.