“Everybody has a good heart, and you can see the care of neighbors for each other, and the management could not be better.” That’s Sam Oymaian’s summation of living
for nine years at Lincoln Manor in Rochelle, one of 20 affordable senior housing sites managed by Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI).
LSSI’s affordable housing offers apartment-style housing for low-income older adults, 62 years or older. Some locations offer apartments for adults 18+ with physical disabilities. Owned and/or managed by LSSI, the buildings provide comfortable and affordable living environments and are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Most apartments feature an open floor plan with a full kitchen, large bathroom, cable access, and LifeLine Emergency call system.
Senior Housing locations include Aurora, Batavia, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Danville, Decatur, DeKalb, Dolton Elmwood Park, Freeport, Joliet, Lansing, Rochelle, Rockford, Taylorville, and Wilmette.
“Our goal is to provide decent, safe, affordable, and quality housing to the residents we serve, and a place our residents are proud of calling home,” said Joseph Rodriguez, Associate Executive Director of Senior and Disability Services. “We want them to live in a place that they are excited to share with their family, friends, and neighbors.”
Property managers are on site at all buildings, and each location has a Social Service Coordinator. Buildings typically include libraries, community rooms, computer rooms, outdoor space to relax and gather, laundry, and parking. A calendar of monthly activities for residents includes movies, potlucks, group outings, and live music.
Bonnie Banning had been on the waiting list at several LSSI senior housing apartment locations when she was notified that an apartment was available at Lincoln Manor five years ago. “I prayed, ‘Lord, let me make a good friend,’” she said. Upon moving in, she received a note of welcome from fellow resident Oymaian in her mailbox and they have been friends ever since. Banning added, “I love it here.”
