Summit by Morrison recently closed on financing with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development for its 83-unit senior living community in Whitefield. The two low-interest loans, totaling $24,973,000, came from the Rural Development Community Facilities guaranteed loan program, which partners with municipalities and non-profit organizations to invest in essential community facilities in rural areas.
“Closing on our USDA Rural Development loan is a key milestone as we work toward welcoming residents to Summit by Morrison this spring,” says Chad Dingman, executive director of Summit by Morrison. “Summit by Morrison is the solution to a growing need for independent living and assisted living options for North Country seniors. It has taken tremendous effort from our team and community partners to keep all the pieces of this project moving forward.”
In 2014, The Morrison Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Care, a long-time non-profit operator of a nursing home and assisted living facility in Whitefield, conducted a community needs assessment. The results supported what community leaders had long thought: senior housing in the Whitefield-area and the North Country was not keeping up with the growing need. Many of the area’s residents exceeded the guidelines to qualify for income-based subsidized senior housing but did not have the means to live in private, for-profit independent and assisted living communities.
“Many North Country residents must currently travel up to three hours south to find appropriate senior housing options,” says Brian Fogg, chairman, Summit by Morrison board of directors. “We found this to be unacceptable. When Summit by Morrison opens, the community will have access to additional senior housing options that enable residents to stay in and continue contributing to their cherished communities, close to loved ones, friends, doctors and familiar services.”
Anthony Linardos, USDA Rural Development NH and Vermont state director says, “Increasing affordable senior housing options with projects like Summit by Morrison will allow community members to age surrounded by the love and support of their friends and families.”
Summit by Morrison broke ground in September 2016. In December 2017, construction was completed on its 14 independent living cottages. Construction on Summit House, the main campus building with 33 independent living apartments, 24 assisted living apartments and 12 memory care studio units, will be completed within the next few months. The full senior living community will welcome residents in Spring 2018.
Current Issue - May 2024