On The Hill

The Hill was abuzz last Friday—Hart’s Hill that is! Federal, state, and Wakefield town officials joined MVES and the Wakefield Housing Authority for a formal dedication of the new senior housing building called Hart’s Hill Heights.

Federal, state, and Wakefield officials, alongside MVES and the Wakefield Housing Authority, happily participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for Hart's Hill Heights on Friday, March 30, 2007.

Hart’s Hill Heights is the result of a five-year effort that required the collaboration of many different groups. The collaboration was facilitated by a common goal: increase affordable housing for elders. The outcome was nothing less than what we had hoped. A beautiful, new 23-apartment building now blends into a hillside in Wakefield and within its newly-erected walls live 24 seniors who have the company of one another, a dining site on the first floor, and modern appliances.

But, there’s much more to Hart’s Hill Heights than plywood, paint, and shingles. Hart’s Hill Heights has a truly personal touch in the form of a fulltime MVES care manager who is onsite four days a week. The care manager helps arrange home care services for residents who need a little help to remain in their homes. The care manager serves as an advocate for all residents, regardless of whether they receive home care services or not. Home care services providers, working closely with the care manager, are at Hart’s Hill Heights seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Hart’s Hill Heights is supportive living—residents have easy access to supports that enable them to stay in the community. MVES has similar supportive housing arrangements with housing authorities in Everett, Malden, and Melrose.

Hart’s Hill Heights and other buildings like it are at the core of MVES’ mission. In order to receive home care, you need to have a home. MVES looks forward to working with other communities to set up supportive housing that provides elders with quality living in a community setting.