Community Converges to Help Victim of House Fire

Transcription

1 Spring 2004 Community Converges to Help Victim of House Fire A volunteer from Davila Electric helps to reconstruct Sebastian Gomez s home. When Serve Our Seniors (SOS) Emergency Repair Program recipient Sebastian Gomez, age 83, was burned out of his house, his son Raul was desperate for help. He prayed for an angel to help him, and a convocation of angels responded. Raul contacted the Quintana Neighborhood Association to ask for help cleaning out the burned house, and a chain reaction ensued. A group from the neighborhood spent a Saturday removing debris from Sebastian s home. Dolores Mendez of the neighborhood association contacted San Antonio District 4 City Councilman Richard Perez s office for help. That s when I got on the phone and started calling around, says Gloria Rodriguez of Councilman Perez s office. She called Albert Davila of Davila Electric, who, with Ry Dan Construction, had donated labor and materials to repair another home in District 4. When Albert heard of Sebastian s plight, he talked to his employees. When I told them the situation, without hesitation they said, When do we need to be there, Albert says. Then Albert contacted long-time friend Rick Reed of Ry Dan Construction. Before long, Ry Dan Construction also had pitched in with labor and materials. Carpentry Concepts also volunteered labor and materials. They all went in there to work on the house with such energy, as a family, Raul Gomez says. Gloria stays involved with the reconstruction. I stop by the house once or twice a week, she says. continued on Page 2: Reconstruction Koontz-McCombs Breaks Ground on home at 427 Polaris Merced s single-family and SOS programs have made a substantial difference in the Denver Heights/Nevada Street area of San Antonio s East Side. Because of the generosity of Koontz- McCombs Construction, Ltd., a beautiful, new home will now replace a vacant lot in that neighborhood. Koontz-McCombs, a leading San Antonio commercial real estate firm, is contributing labor and most of the materials to build the two-bedroom, two-bathroom home. Proceeds of the sale of the home will be reinvested in our single-family acquisition and rehabilitation program. I met with Susan to talk about affordable housing opportunities, and as we became more The home at 427 Polaris has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, central heat and air conditioning, and approximately 1,294 square feet. familiar with the mission of Merced, I started being convinced that aside from business opportunities, on the philanthropic side, this would be a way we could have an immediate impact and assist Merced in its mission, says Bart Koontz, president and CEO of Koontz-McCombs. It seems to me that every dollar Merced gets is maximized for the continued on page 2: Polaris

2 Spring Page 2 Reconstruction (continued from page 1) When Albert told Gloria that he needed help with materials for Sebastian Gomez s home, she called Merced. Merced supplied $4,200 for materials and provided a refrigerator for Sebastian Gomez s home. Telling his wife about the reconstruction project brought Raul Gomez to tears. We re crying for happiness because God answered our prayers. To us, we look at it as a miracle, Raul says. Polaris (continued from page 1) benefit of the people it serves, he says. B & A Architects, Inc., designed the home to harmonize with the style of architecture in the historic neighborhood, according to Monte Barrett, senior project manager of Koontz-McCombs. It s the Arts and Crafts style of architecture that s prevalent in the neighborhood. There are some famous neighborhoods in California that are in the Arts and Crafts style, he says. Koontz-McCombs is a leading commercial real estate firm headquartered in San Antonio that is vertically integrated, providing real estate development, construction, leasing and management under one roof. We develop product types from office, to industrial, to retail, to multifamily, Bart says. As well as owning and managing its own portfolio, Koontz-McCombs has taken on projects for a wide range of clients, such as the San Antonio Zoo, the City of New Braunfels, the Harlandale School District, and Methodist Health System. President s Message As an avid gardener, I find spring to be an exciting time of year. I delight in turning the soil and planning for what eventually will bloom. This spring is also a time of new growth at Merced. We have made plans and now we eagerly anticipate what will develop as ground is turned in San Antonio and Corpus Christi. As of this writing, Koontz-McCombs workers are building the infrastructure for the home at 427 Polaris. A virtually new home is emerging for Sebastian Gomez, thanks to Sebastian s neighbors, Gloria Rodriguez, and the owners and employees of Davila Electric, Ry Dan Construction, and Carpentry Concepts. Through Merced s collaboration with GMAT 1, Ltd., a new apartment community soon will be taking shape in Corpus Christi. SAWS, the City of San Antonio, The Meadows Foundation, and USAA-FSB have all joined in the effort to plant new sewer lines for the Mission Espada area. We want to celebrate the spirit of generosity and the creativity that have made all of this growth possible. Whatever the need, when non-profit organizations, government entities, and for-profit corporations plan together and create new ways to work in concert, new solutions can spring to life. Meadows Foundation Awards Grant for Espada Connect Project A new sewer system for the Mission Espada neighborhood is a step closer to reality, thanks to a $72,000 challenge grant from The Meadows Foundation for the Espada Sewer Connect Project. Located within the city limits of San Antonio, many homes in the area have no sewer service. The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) took the first giant step by committing to extend sewer mains in the area. The City of San Antonio contributed $35,000 toward materials for lateral connections between the homes and the sewer main. The Meadows Foundation has had a long history with providing infrastructure for the colonias in the Rio Grande Valley. Our board saw similarities between the conditions found along the border and the Mission Espada neighborhood. It is the Meadows Foundation s hope that this gift will spur other giving in San Antonio, says Michael McCoy, Meadows grants officer. For every dollar that Merced raises locally for the laterals, Meadows will contribute an equal amount, up to $72,000. USAA Federal Savings Bank is the first local institution to answer the challenge with a contribution toward the Espada Sewer Connect Project. Merced still seeks local support to fully meet the Meadows Foundation challenge. In addition, we need to raise about $200,000 for rehabilitation to the homes so they can be connected to the laterals. The Meadows Foundation is a family foundation based in Dallas established by Algur Meadows. The Foundation has given more than $430 million in grants and donations to more than 2,000 Texas institutions and agencies. For information about The Meadows Foundation, visit its website at

3 Spring Page 3 Construction to Begin on Riversquare in Corpus Christi Merced Housing Texas is synonymous with affordable housing in San Antonio, Conroe, and Somerset, and we soon will have a presence in Corpus Christi as well. Merced and GMAT I Development, Ltd., are set to break ground in June on a brand new affordable apartment community in Corpus Christi, Riversquare Apartments. The complex will be located in far northwest area of the city on McKinzie Lane just north of I-37. Riversquare will consist of 204 two- and threebedroom apartments. Eighty percent of the apartments will be reserved for families who make 60% or less of the area median income (AMI). In Corpus Christi, 60% of the AMI for a family of four in 2004 is $28,200. Merced is proud of our recently developed Stablewood Farms Apartment Homes in San Antonio, and Riversquare will be every bit as beautiful and welcoming as Stablewood Farms. Community amenities planned for Riversquare include a fully equipped clubhouse, a laundry room, an exercise facility, a furnished community room, a computer room, a swimming pool, a play, recreation, and picnic area, a community garden with walking trail, and perimeter fencing with controlled access gate. An on-site resident services coordinator will plan and carry out programs for residents. Riversquare is financed through three sources: HOME funds from the City of Corpus Christi used to purchase the land; a construction/permanent loan from Malone Mortgage Company insured through the Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 221(d) (4); and equity from Low Income Housing Tax Credits through PNC Multifamily Capital. Riversquare Apartments will be located in northwest Corpus Christi, on McKinzie Lane north of I-37. Merced Housing Texas Founders Congregation of Benedictine Sisters Congregation of Divine Providence Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence Sisters of the Holy Spirit Merced s newly constructed apartment community Managed by Encore Management Company 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms Starting at $433 Enjoy our great amenities including indoor basketball court, lake/park access & daycare 8301 Lake Vista Drive Southwest Hwy. 90W at Loop 410 Call Veronica Martinez at (210) Associate Congregations Congregation of St. Brigid Daughters of Mary Immaculate Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament Ursuline Nuns of San Antonio

4 Spring Page 4 It s never too late for Imaginary Golf! No weather problems No travel needed No scheduling conflicts Helping seniors in need Good feeling inside No hooks, slices, or choking Your Brain on Merced Golf If you could imagine the virtually perfect round of golf, where would you be? You might be at Pebble Beach, where you could gaze down at seals and otters and feel the Pacific Ocean breeze as you golfed. Imagine that you could negotiate the challenging course with ease, and (in your mind s eye) there would be no $350 green fee. Or your thoughts might wander to the place where Mary Queen of Scots played golf the birthplace of the sport hallowed St. Andrews. Your golf ball would continually sail over the heather and gorse straight onto the fairways. You wouldn t need to wear your woolens, because in virtual Scotland, the weather is never cold or damp. We invite you to book a flight of fancy to the golfing destination of your dreams and join in our 2004 Imaginary Golf Tournament. Our first Imaginary Golf Tournament was a great success; 31 people played and supported the Serve Our Seniors (SOS) Emergency Repair Program. Through the SOS Program, we have helped seniors like J.B. and Early Webb, ages 76 and 74. Early is wheelchair bound. Their commode didn t work, and their electrical wiring was dangerously exposed. Early couldn t enter the kitchen to cook because her wheelchair didn t fit through the door. I was afraid we were going to fall through the floor; I was praying for a new floor, Early said. Merced alleviated all of those problems. Thanks be to God, Early said. Merced is making repairs for very low-income seniors on an ongoing basis, but approximately 100 seniors are waiting for SOS assistance, and we receive calls every day from senior and disabled homeowners in need. The 2004 Imaginary Golf Tournament will once again benefit the SOS Program. Your sponsorship will directly help Bexar County seniors live in safety and dignity in their homes. When you play golf in the realm of the imagination, you never miss your tee time, and golf season is endless. It s never too late to play Imaginary Golf! YOU CAN NOW DONATE ONLINE! 1. Go to 2. Click on How I can help 3. Click on ONLINE DONATION FORM

5 Spring Page 5 SPONSOR LEVELS You can play Imaginary Golf at any of these famous courses! Please check a box to indicate your level of sponsorship. St. Andrews, Scotland, Sponsor $5,000 (could rewire a house or provide HVAC) Pebble Beach, California, Sponsor $2,500 (could replace a roof) Golf Club of Texas Sponsor $1,000 (could build a porch ) Colonial Country Club, Texas, Sponsor $500 (could repair plumbing) Torrey Pines, California, Sponsor $350 (could replace front steps and handrails) Pinehurst, North Carolina, Sponsor $300 (could install a new water heater) Bay Hill, Florida, Sponsor $200 (could provide new windows) Kaanapale, Hawaii, Sponsor $150 (could hang a front door) Kapalua, Hawaii, Sponsor $100 (could install a new commode) Princeville, Hawaii, Sponsor $75 (could supply new safety locks) Carnoustie, Scotland, Sponsor $50 (could repair holes in wall) Royal Troon, Scotland, Sponsor $25 (could provide lumber or paint) Kaganei, Japan, Sponsor less than $25 (could replace faulty switches) $ Or write your favorite golf course in the world Amount Above are estimates of what repairs each contribution might be able to sponsor. They do not imply that contributions will be used solely for those purposes. Name SPONSOR CONFIRMATION Company Address City/State/Zip Phone Fax Name as you want it represented in newsletter and thank-you Please print clearly. To secure your sponsorship, please mail this page and your payment in the enclosed envelope. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent of the law.

6 Spring Page 6 Bellshire Community Room Bustles with Enjoyable Activities If you stop by the Community Room at Merced s Bellshire Apartments in Conroe on any given day, you re sure to find coffee, donuts, and fun. You re also likely to find George Droddy, Shirley Stebbins, age 70, and Dee Miller, age 72. George teaches several exercise classes at Bellshire. These three people are the main volunteer help I have, says Activity Coordinator Linda Brooks. Linda has devised ways for residents of every age to find fun and fellowship at Bellshire. Early childhood and Head Start programs serve families with young children. On bingo and game nights, the Community Room is filled with seniors, and they can be found in the pool when George teaches water aerobics. We have a very active senior community, Shirley says. George s Tae Bo class does not target any specific age group. Anybody who has a doc s permission is welcome, he says. Holder of a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, George also teaches a basic self defense class open to all age groups. Shirley and Dee pick up donations from the local Krogers and from clothing stores for Bellshire s food and clothing pantries. We have a birthday dinner once a Bellshire residents move their muscles in George Droddy exercise class, which incorporates cardiovascular and flexibility training. month for everybody who had a birthday that month, Shirley says. We re always busy doing something. Always, Dee says. Merced Housing Texas Multifamily Properties Bellshire Apartments 800 Bellshire Dr., Conroe, Texas 312 units Manager Linda Belk, Greystar 936/ Elmhurst Place Apartments 130 Elmhurst Ave., San Antonio 23 units Assistant Manager Sandra Lane, Encore Management Company 210/ Stablewood Farms Apartments 8301 Lake Vista Dr., San Antonio 252 units Manager Veronica Martinez, Encore Management Company 210/ Suncrest Hills Apartments 5470 SW Military Dr., San Antonio 477 units Manager Laura Patterson, The Lynd Company 210/ Our Mission Statement Merced Housing Texas mission is to create and strengthen healthy communities through the provision of quality, affordable, service-enriched housing for individuals and families who are economically poor.

7 Spring Page 7 Thank you for your support Corporations, Foundations, And Other Groups Brigidine Sisters Kenedy Memorial Foundation McAuley Ministry Fund Sisters of Mercy National Religious Retirement Organization Myra Stafford Pryor Charitable Trust administered by Frost Bank Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate Society of Saint Teresa of Jesus Individuals Sister Mary Jane Bell, CDP Sister Anne Michelle Berry, CDP David Carney Sister Leola Doerfler, CDP Rev. Virgil Elizondo Sister Deborah Fuchs, CDP Sister Catherin Fuhrmann, CDP Sister Imelda González, CDP Louis Hoch Anna Huth Ken Keller Brother Louis Mangini, CSC Mary L. Mueller Sister Kieran O Shaughnessy, CSB Rev. Roy Rihn Larry and Pati Semander Sister Elizabeth Anne Sueltenfuss, CDP Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Toudouze Sister Alexia Vinklarek, CDP Sister Canice Walsh, CSB Sue Flynt Yip Sister M. Benedict Zimmerer, CDP More and more mentally ill adults are being placed in apartments without even a bed or a blanket, according to volunteers with Home Comforts, Inc., a non-profit corporation dedicated to helping the mentally ill establish and maintain their own homes. One of our volunteers recently found a single mother and a three-year-old child sleeping in a sort of nest of bath towels, said its president. According to social workers in the Supported Housing Imaginary Golf (Serve Our Seniors Emergency Repair Program) Anonymous Bolner s Fiesta Products Jerry and Maria Flynt Greystar Real Estate Partners Jim and Lucy Lane The Lynd Company Robert E. Matthys San Antonio Water System Frances Sheeran Southwest Exteriors Scott Barr In Memory Pilar Martinez Estrada Ann Miller Gonzalez Beatrice Henderson Beto Jimenez Eugenia S. Jimenez Clara Henzen Stuebben Susan R. Sheeran and Merced staff Dorothy Bengfort Sister Elise Bengfort, CDP Frank and Rosie Bily Sister Rita Rose Bily, CDP Sister Adela Hennig Sister Olga Zotz, CDP Mrs. Siria Perez George Ozuna Honors Sister Imelda González, CDP L. Tucker Gibson Dick and Marie Squilla 50th wedding anniversary Sister Cabrini Cahill, CSB Susan R. Sheeran and Family for great work Rose Marie Hughes Furnishings Needed for Mentally Ill Adults in Independent Living division of the Center for Healthcare Services, bed frames are the single most difficult item to obtain. There is always need for small tables or dinette sets, chairs, lamps, vacuum cleaners, electric fans, and telephones. The Center usually can arrange pickup. To donate furniture, call the Center for Healthcare Services at (210) and ask for Supported Housing. To donate smaller items, call Home Comforts at (210) or (210)

8 Read about exciting new growth at Merced during this spring season. Spring 2004 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No San Antonio, Texas 212 West Laurel San Antonio, Texas / / fax Return Service Requested Merced Housing Texas Board of Directors Sister Jane Ann Slater, CDP, Chair Sister Rose Ann Aguilar, DC, Vice Chair Amber E. Alonso, Esq. Sister Mary Louise Barba, MCDP Hilda Botello Bustos Sister Veronica S. Cahill, SHSp Paul G. Cuellar Dr. Larry Hufford Sister Carol Ann Jokerst, CCVI Sister Susan Mika, OSB Lisa A. Rodriguez Staff Sister Jo Marie Arredondo, SHF Bookkeeper Lou Walters Caldwell Secretary Sister Imelda González, CDP Treasurer Edgar T. Sandoval Vice President Susan R. Sheeran President Sue Flynt Yip Communications/Development Manager Single-Family New construction 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, central heat and air conditioning, all electric, approximately 1,294 square feet, near St. Philip s College, $69,000. Completion expected Fall For Sale 427 Polaris Design, labor, and materials contributed by Koontz-McCombs Construction, Ltd. Merced s Property Acquisition and Rehabilitation Programs are funded in part by the San Antonio Housing Trust and the San Antonio Area Foundation through the Gilbert and Ruth Lang Charitable Trust. For further information, call Edgar T. Sandoval at