A Philadelphia apartment complex aims to provide affordable housing and a sense of community for veterans.
In the Frankford section of Philadelphia, a unique apartment complex called Veterans Village is making a difference in the lives of its residents. Designed specifically for veterans, this community offers not only affordable housing but also a sense of camaraderie and support among its residents. With its mission to support veterans while they support each other, Veterans Village has the potential to become a national model for veterans housing.
A Place of Understanding and Stability
Vanessa Morbeck, a 32-year-old Army veteran, is one of the residents of Veterans Village. She appreciates living in a community where everyone shares a common bond and understands the unique experiences that veterans go through. For Morbeck, Veterans Village has provided stability as she deals with post-traumatic stress disorder and the aftermath of military sexual trauma, domestic violence, childhood abuse, and suicide. Additionally, the community has become a place where she can strengthen her relationship with her 8-year-old daughter.
Support and Welcome Among Veterans
Another veteran who moved into Veterans Village last July has found solace in offering support and welcome to his fellow residents. Of the 47 apartments in the complex, 31 are already occupied, creating a close-knit community of veterans who can lean on each other for support. The sense of camaraderie and understanding within Veterans Village is invaluable to those who have served in the military.
Building Family-Oriented Apartments in the City
Traditionally, families with children tend to move out of cities and into the suburbs. However, Bobby Fijan, a 37-year-old Philadelphia-based developer, believes that building more family-oriented apartments in the city can help retain residents. Fijan, who lives in Center City with his own family of five, argues that developers can make a profit while catering to the needs of families. In an interview, Fijan explains why developers often focus on studios and one-bedroom apartments and why offering more family-sized apartments is crucial for urban communities.
Testing Your Knowledge of Real Estate Trends
For those interested in real estate trends, a quiz has been created to test your knowledge of buying and selling habits. The quiz, compiled by a colleague, is based on the annual report by the National Association of Realtors. It provides insights into current trends, consumer behavior, and what can be expected from the market. By taking the quiz, buyers and sellers can compare their experiences with the national averages and gain a better understanding of the real estate landscape.
Remodeling a Home to Reflect Personal Style
Leon Liss, a homeowner in Bucks County, had a vision to transform his “big white box” of a house into a space that reflected his personal style. Over the course of 13 years, Liss added old-world character to his five-bedroom, 4,200-square-foot home. From painted walls resembling green-striped wallpaper to antique furniture and decorative faux-tin tiles, Liss and his wife created a home that is uniquely theirs. The couple’s love for French culture is evident throughout the house, with touches of Paris brought to their basement.
Conclusion:
Veterans Village in Philadelphia is not just an apartment complex; it is a community of support for veterans. By offering affordable housing and fostering a sense of camaraderie among its residents, Veterans Village provides stability and understanding for those who have served in the military. The development of more family-oriented apartments in urban areas, such as those advocated by developer Bobby Fijan, can also help retain residents and create vibrant communities. As homeowners like Leon Liss demonstrate, personalizing a living space can bring joy and a sense of identity to a home. Whether it’s through supportive housing for veterans or creating spaces that reflect personal style, the importance of community and individuality in housing cannot be overstated.
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