When Audrey Owens first visited the Porta Coeli Residence in the city’s South Deering neighborhood she was convinced it was a good place.

“I walked in the door and I said ‘This is home,’” she told the Catholic New World. “This is such a beautiful place.”

Owens was on hand for the Feb. 10 dedication of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s newest senior affordable residence Porta Coeli, which is located next to Our Lady Gate of Heaven Church, 2330 E. 99th St.

Owens was the first person to move in the residence two weeks earlier.

“It’s taking me a little time to get things together,” she said, “But I just love it. Just love it. Everybody is so nice and helpful.”

For the past 13 years, the 90- year-old lived in a senior home at 63rd and Kedzie. The new environment is more convenient for her circumstances, she said.

Even though she’s a ways away from her previous residence, Owens said she will come to love her new neighborhood because everyone at the residence “is so helpful.”

“Sometimes when you get to be a senior people don’t like to help you so much. But everybody is so beautiful,” Owens said of Porta Coeli. “I just love it.”

Plans for the residence began 19 years ago, said Msgr. Michael Boland, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. It is just one of several new expansions by the agency (see Page 10).

Porta Coeli, which means “Gateway to Heaven” in Latin, consists of 86 one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors. Low-income equates to $25,350 and below for one person and $29,000 for a couple. At the time of the dedication, 32 people were already living in Porta Coeli.

How much is rent?

“It all depends on their adjusted income,” said Belinda Hawkins, property manager of Porta Coeli. Residents pay no more than 30 percent of their income.

Units come unfurnished and include a bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom. There is also a range-hood stove, refrigerator and wall-unit air-conditioner. Hot water and heat are included in the rent.

“The residents are responsible for their light bill,” Hawkins said.

Seniors learn about the residence through phone calls and staff canvassing the neighborhood, community centers and the alderman’s office.

“We’ve also been to the shopping malls where we know the seniors meet,” Hawkins said. They’ve also been to the McDonald’s in the community where seniors gather in the morning hours.

The residence has hired a service coordinator who will develop activities for the residents.

Catholic Charities owns and operates 19 affordable senior apartment buildings that serve more than 1,500 seniors.

For information, visit www.catholiccharities.net.