Phoebe Celebrates 50th Anniversary of its Affordable Housing Apartments

On Friday, September 9, Phoebe Ministries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Phoebe Apartments. Dedicated in May 1972 as the first low- to middle-income housing for Lehigh Valley residents 62 and older, Phoebe Apartments currently is home to 143 older adults.

Residents of the Phoebe Apartments, Phoebe COO Bob Richards, and other Phoebe employees celebrated the dedication of the apartments with a cook-out that was attended by Allentown Mayor Matthew Tuerk and State Representative Michael Schlossberg. Games and entertainment were also provided for those in attendance.

The concept for Phoebe Apartments was developed in the mid-1960s by Phoebe’s leadership, who saw the overwhelming need in the Allentown and Lehigh Valley community for housing for independent seniors with low- to moderate-income. After years of planning, Phoebe broke ground in the fall of 1971, and at the start of construction, had already received many rental applications. By February 1972, both buildings were complete and by May 22, 1972, all units were occupied as the apartments were formally dedicated.

Today, residents of the apartments are grateful for their homes and their community. The apartments boast a social room, game room, and library that feature educational programming, health presentations, and guest speakers. Residents also plan parties and social events, in addition to attending movie screenings, art activities, and religious services led on site by Phoebe’s pastoral care staff.