Vero Beach is renowned for its affluence, a paradise where wealthy retirees can enjoy their golden years tucked away in gated communities or where snowbirds with multiple homes can escape chillier climes in their winter residences.
But there is also an ever-growing segment of the aging population who might otherwise find themselves homeless or residing in substandard housing were it not for St. Francis Manor, which since 1974 has provided affordable independent living to more than 900 limited-income seniors.
Supporters of the nonprofit organization, which receives no state or federal funding, gathered at the tranquil facility last Saturday for its annual All American Country BBQ Bash, a family-friendly affair featuring great food and wonderful entertainment.
Roughly 300 guests wandered about the five-acre residential property, where the mouthwatering aroma of BBQ chicken, grilled hamburgers and hotdogs wafted over the crowd; purchased, cooked and served by enthusiastic members of the Sunrise Rotary Club.
Music by the Rebel Rousers kept things lively as attendees enjoyed their dinners and later walked off a few calories with strolls around a deck that encircles a picturesque lake at the center of the complex. Inside the air-conditioned club hall, a large selection of interesting silent-auction and raffle items enticed bidders.
St. Francis serves seniors 62 and older (55 with medical disabilities) who have limited means and less than $25,000 in total assets, charging them about half the rent they would pay for a similar efficiency or one bedroom apartment elsewhere in the county. The facility’s 98 single-resident efficiencies are always at full capacity and the wait list is constant.
A $2 million Capital Campaign has been underway all season to increase housing, with plans calling for the addition of two buildings providing 18 efficiency apartments for couples.
“It’s going really well,” said Louis Schacht, capital campaign co-chair. “We used the season to get the word out with some cocktail parties. We plan to start construction in June.”
Schacht said they have raised roughly $1.4 million toward their goal, adding, “We’re committed to the project. We actually have room for three more buildings beyond that. This is our first expansion in about 35 years. It’s a neat place and it fills a major need in the community.”
“I’m excited about it,” said Linda Scott, St. Francis Manor executive director. “We’ve been talking about it for a long time, so to see it come to fruition is wonderful. It’s just exciting to be able to increase affordable housing, because I keep a waiting list of about 50 people all the time.”
For more information or to donate, visit stfrancismanor.org.