By George Young
This is a series of articles profiling some of the residents who live and work in the South Mountain/Laveen Villages. In keeping with the original format of the Villager to only print the positive, we will attempt to acknowledge some of the great folks that have contributed so much to our lives and are hopefully role models for all of us.
Well folks I want to tell you about some real good friends of mine, Garry and Katherine (Kitty) Walters this month so we are going to let them tell you a little about their life long dream. On a bright sunny morning in July of 2007 I had the privilege of being invited to the ground breaking event of a new Shared Living Facility for Seniors 55 and over being built by Rhino Builders. It was an intimate gathering of the Garry and Kitty Walters Family and Friends. Despite the heat we did the traditional shovel dig and took some pictures and discussed the future of the project and the expansion of the project to two more lots. According to Garry it is all about “giving back to the Community”. Below are a few words by the Walters about their dream and how it has come to a reality. If you know of any interested folks please have them contact the Walters.
Shared housing exists in many forms and locations in Arizona. In general, residents have their own bedroom and bathroom, but share kitchen, dining, and laundry facilities. The choice to live in shared housing may be made because economic circumstances or physical frailty preclude the option of living alone, or because of a preference to live in a community of other people. Shared housing can provide an important alternative for folks who are unable or do not want to live on their own yet who do not need the level of care and services found in an institutional setting. Shared housing is not assisted living nor residential care, both of which are licensed and regulated by the State.
In the South Mountain Village community a newly constructed upscale duplex now exist from the dream and hard work of founders and originators Garry and Katherine Walters, with assistance from family members. This newly established “grass roots” shared housing opportunity was originally formed as an affordable and secure environment senior “shared living” opportunity. Specifically, SILVER, Inc. was carefully thought out in efforts to give seniors ages fifty-five (55) and older an alternative life style choice and help to close the gaps when situations or circumstances have forced one to change their current living conditions.
The duplex has the capacity to house up to eight people, in two separate housing units, with an economical monthly rental charge to the tenants. A few of the features include a communal area that is comprised of living room, dining room, laundry room and kitchen. The complex is equipped with four bedrooms each with private bath accommodations for each and two guest bath rooms.
At the present time the Walters have partnered with US Vets to lease this complex for the benefit of veterans who are transitioning back to independence from homelessness or other hardships. This partnership is for the mutual benefit of providing affordable housing opportunities to formerly homeless veterans.
Currently, veterans are screened by the United States Veterans Initiative for eligibility into this housing opportunity. US Vets will also provide additional care services and monitoring of their progress and also provide a program that is designed to assist with the re-integration and sustainment of sobriety.
As of October 1, the first new tenant has moved into the newly built duplex located at 1831 E. Pueblo Ave., Phoenix, AZ and is happy to reside in his new surroundings.
God Bless Garry and Kitty and their family. God Bless America and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s.
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