From the April 6, 2006 edition of the Notheast Times HUD grant to help build more housing for elderly By Jeannie O’Sullivan Times Staff Writer Deer Meadows Retirement Community has partnered with the Mount Zion Community Development Corporation (CDC) in Southwest Philadelphia, to sponsor a low-income residence for the elderly, one of five similar projects getting under way in Philadelphia with a $34.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Deer Meadows CEO Michael Jacobs and Mount Zion CDC President Rev. Jerry Sanders accepted the funds during a check presentation on March 17 at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1450 S. 50th St. Regional HUD director Guy L. Ciarrocchi and U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) were present. From the grant, the Deer Meadows-Mount Zion project will receive a capital advance of $8.27 million for the construction of a four-story, 75-unit building across the street from Mount Zion Baptist Church named the Reba Brown Senior Residence, after a late parishioner and neighbor. "Our responsibility will be managing the property," Jacobs said. "We’re really excited about the Northeast-Southwest Philadelphia collaboration." The facility’s board of advisers will include a mix of Mount Zion CDC and Deer Meadows representatives, Jacobs said. It is the first HUD project for Deer Meadows, a senior retirement community at 8301 Roosevelt Blvd., formerly known as the Baptist Home of Philadelphia. Jacobs said he hopes it is the first of many more. The total grant is split between HUD’s programs to provide capital advances and project rental assistance for housing for the elderly and persons with physical and/or mental disabilities. Reporter Jeannie O’Sullivan can be reached at 215-354-3038 or osullivanj@phillynews.com