A new affordable housing complex for military veterans has opened in Lower Bucks County.
Last week, the 40-unit, 39,673-square-feet Bensalem Veterans Residences opened for those eligible seniors ages 62 and older.
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With Bucks County having the fourth largest veteran population in the state, the facility is needed. It will provide services for aging veterans through partnerships with the Bucks County Department of Military Affairs, Bucks County Vet Center, and Salute 2 Service.
The three-story Bensalem Veterans Residences on Mechanicsville Road features modern kitchens and central heating and air conditioning in each one-bedroom unit. In addition to a library and gym, the facility is near public transportation and has a new sidewalk that connects to a neighboring shopping center off Street Road that has a grocery store, bank, and retail.
As of last week, three veterans and two seniors who were homeless were housed at the facility.
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The $15 million project was funded through a public-private partnership. The county directed a $1.65 million federal grant to the project and the Bucks County Housing Authority matched the county’s $1.65 million contribution. The housing authority will also be giving housing vouchers to help residents of the facility for years to come.
The land for the Bensalem Veterans Residences was donated by Bensalem Township. The property was recently a vacant lot.
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“So many people worked hard on this project for years,” said Bucks County Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo. “But the real stars today and every day are the veterans, the brave men and women who served.”
Bucks County Housing Authority Chairperson Robert Loughery, a former county commissioner, celebrated the project being completed. He played an important role in the project getting underway.
“The most important thing we see today is partnership between private sector and government,” said Dan Fraley, Director of Bucks County Department of Military Affairs. “(The residents) have a library here, a gym here. They have everything here. And we’re here for you.”
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Those interested in the new facility can contact 267-450-2696, email BensalemVets@pennrose.com, or visit their website.
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