The Vermilion and District Housing Foundation has raised over $1.5 million to restore their Valley Lodge for seniors.
Chief Administrative Officer Sheri Heller says that she is beyond proud of her community and that the lodge is a key piece of infrastructure to keep the seniors close to their families.
“Most of this money comes from community members, businesses and private members and very little came through grants. They’ve just stepped up and are helping our seniors because they love the seniors so much and they also know that it’s their future.”
The first phase of construction is almost complete, Heller says that they are in the painting and flooring stage and will be ready to move in in June. The total construction of the facility will be replacing their current 52 rooms to make them more accessible. Heller says that many rooms were built in 1960 and don’t function as they should, but the new updates will allow the seniors to have more independence.
“They have a walk in shower, it meets their current aging needs. They can live in this much longer even the remaining wings have nice bathroom with tub and shower in it, but they can’t get into a tub that easily, it’s not that accessible, so these rooms are all fully accessible.”
The second phase of construction will begin shorty and will require the tearing down of 36 rooms to be rebuilt. The completion date for the project is March, 2019.