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Seniors find a home at Friendship Manor, Garden Court
A good, affordable home is hard to find in Santa Barbara, especially for seniors on low, fixed incomes.
However, at the Garden Court and Friendship Manor apartments, run by a nonprofit management group, housing is not only inexpensive but features many simple pleasures of group retirement living.
"You will not find more comfortable and inviting housing at any price," says Joe Franken, executive director of Friendship Manor.
Friendship Manor has been around since 1973 on El Colegio Road in Isla Vista. The community, with 207 units, provides three meals a day buffet-style to residents. Each room has its own bathroom, and all utilities except for cable TV and telephone are included in the rents, which are under $600 per month. Amenities include swimming pool, games and entertainment, weekly non-denominational chapel services, garden club and volunteer opportunities. The center provides transportation services to residents for their medical appointments and shopping needs. Residents enjoy participating in various cultural and educational events at nearby UC Santa Barbara.
"Housing with services has long been an option for wealthy individuals, but rarely are such housing opportunities available to low-income individuals. Santa Barbara is fortunate to have two fine examples," Franken said.
Both Garden Court and Friendship Manor are designed for persons 62 and older who are ambulatory and enjoy congregate living. While both apartment communities are designed for low-income seniors, Garden Court has income eligibility requirements. Both communities accept Section 8 subsidized housing applicants. In addition, both communities provide strong advocacy for their residents' access to community resources.
Franken, who previously worked at both Casa Dorinda and Samarkand retirement communities in administrative capacities, holds certification as a retirement housing professional and skilled nursing administrator. he proudly pointed out that Friendship Manor and Garden Court offer low-cost housing to seniors as a result of the generosity of private individuals and government agencies. He attributes their success to efficient management by The Urban Group, a nonprofit that operates retirement homes around the United States.
For more information about Friendship Manor, call 968-0771. To inquire about Garden Court, call 884-0095. |
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Garden Court, an attractive three-story building on De la Vina Street between Anapamu and Figueroa, opened last December. Built with assistance from the Housing Authority of Santa Barbara, it offers 97 studios for $665 per month for people who qualify as low-income seniors. Garden Court also provides three meals a day, transportation, paid utilities and group activities. Chris Tucker is executive director of the facility.