ROCHESTER — A ribbon cutting Monday at the Gafney Home marks the end of a long journey of restoration, refitting and upgrading, and the beginning of low-income housing for seniors age 62 and up.
"This was a passion project for us," said Betsey Andrews Parker, executive director of Community Action Partnership of Strafford County, which took ownership of the Gafney Home in 2019. "It's our first low-income elderly project. It's not the only one in the state, and we do not plan to stop here. Our goal now is to expand."
Those who move in to the Gafney Home can walk to downtown amenities. There are still a few housekeeping items to complete, but applications are being accepted through Alliance Asset Management in Concord at alliancenh.com .
Valerie Foster-Brochu, a spokesperson for Alliance, said applications will be screened for income eligibility, and while there is already a waiting list, she noted not everyone who applies will meet the income guidelines, so she encouraged anyone interested to apply.
What's the rent on a Gafney Home apartment?
Alliance will be the property managers of the Gafney Home's 21 apartments; a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom units with a rental range of $1,085 to $1,350
Bob Arnold, development and revitalization director for Community Action Partnership of Strafford County (CAPSC), said they took great pains to keep as much of the character of the beautiful mansion while incorporating the needed upgrades for senior housing.
It took broad support from the community, businesses, banks and city, state and federal government to make the renovation of the 1894 Gafney Home a reality. Andrews Parker is quick to point out, the rebirth of the Gafney House was a labor of love and dedication by many.
"When the Gafney Home board of directors decided they would phase out of assisted elderly care, they offered the property to us," said Andrews Parker.
How to CAPSC come to own the Gafney Home
Andrews Parker said the Gafney Home board reached a critical point where needed renovations forced them to consider closing the home and relocating residents. The property was transferred to Community Action Partnership of Strafford County so that the historic mansion could continue to provide a public service.
The funding for the Gafney House project was approved by the New Hampshire Housing Board of Directors .
The funding sources included low-income housing tax credits and other federal and state funding geared toward affordable housing in the state.
Andrews Parker said the Gafney Home project is more than bricks and mortar.
"It’s about building a future filled with hope and opportunity for those who need it most," she said. "Restoring this beautiful mansion into affordable housing has been a labor of love, filled with both challenges and triumphs. Do not get me started on electrical switch gear. We faced obstacles, from funding hurdles to historic preservation guidelines,but with determination and collaboration, we’ve transformed this space into a home for many. Our goal is to create a vibrant community where residents feel safe, supported, and connected."
Andrews Parker said building affordable housing is not as easy as some commentors on social media make it out to be.
"To make it affordable, it requires multiple partners that share the vision, understand the requirements of a tax credit project and are committed to getting a project over the finish line," she said, naming the partners in the ambitious venture.Mayor Paul Callaghan offered congratulations, and praised city officials for working closely with CAPSC to make sure the project was a success.
Designer helps agency that once helped her
Rochester resident Christina VanBlake, owner of Home Design, designed the three sitting rooms on the common areas downstairs, making them welcoming and comfortable.
"CAPSC and Betsy helped me out during a rough time," she said. "So when she approached me to see if I wanted to help, I jumped at the chance to give something back for all they had done for me when I needed help the most."
Representatives from the offices of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Sen. Maggie Hassan and Congresssman Chris Pappas, all sent congratulations on the project's success.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: 21 affordable apartments for seniors offered at Rochester's historic Gafney Home
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