Alverna Apartments

Alverna Apartments sits on the CHI St. Gabriel's Health campus, joined to St. Otto's Care Center by an enclosed walkway, so you can get to a chapel, a full-service beauty shop, adult day care, and nursing care services without stepping outside in the cold, and there's also an underground tunnel to St. Gabriel's Hospital for easy access to medical help when you need it, plus Lifeline services are available right through the hospital next door. The building has 60 apartments for seniors aged 62 or older, and every apartment is about 520 to 540 square feet with a bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen, individual storage space, and kitchen appliances like a stove, fridge, and microwave, and you get heat, water, sewer, garbage, and recycling included in the rent, which is set at 30% of your income, with HUD covering rental assistance if you qualify and the rent structure even considers medical expenses. Residents bring their own furniture, and there are six apartments designed for handicapped accessibility, plus features like elevators, a handicapped-accessible entrance, a secure access system at the front door, and pull cords in the bedrooms and bathrooms for emergencies. Coin-operated laundry, a tub room, a craft room, a workshop, and trash rooms on every floor make things pretty convenient, and there's also a beautiful lobby and a community room with a kitchen for gatherings or scheduled activities, with devotional services and meal services provided, though dining and housekeeping options are handled by calling and setting things up. A "buddy" system helps neighbors look out for each other, and the staff includes a part-time housing manager, on-site maintenance, and housekeeping services if you need them. The enclosed courtyard holds a swing and flower beds, making for a peaceful spot to sit, and the parking lot has electrical plug-ins for cars. Alverna has rules about pets-there's a $300 fee and some restrictions, so you'll need to ask about those, but generally it's pet-friendly. Transportation can be arranged, and tenants talk about friendly neighbors, quick maintenance help, and a respectful staff. Alverna Apartments welcomes people regardless of race, , disability, or background, has income limits that change every year, and only one household member needs to be 62 or older to qualify for a couple. There's a focus on helping vulnerable seniors and supporting social justice, in line with the community's mission as a CommonSpirit Health affiliate aiming to bring care and comfort with respect and dignity for aging residents.