Joint venture secures complex financing package including tax credit equity, federal funds and foundation support to expand affordable housing for seniors
HOUSTON, Nov. 20, 2025 — Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS), Volunteers of America Texas (VOA Texas), and the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity (WALIPP) announced today the successful closing of all financing for the WALIPP Senior Residence Expansion, a $29.3 million affordable housing development that will bring 102 new apartments for seniors aged 55 and older to Houston’s historic Third Ward neighborhood.
The development represents a significant milestone in addressing the critical need for quality, affordable senior housing in Houston. Located across three non-contiguous sites at 5120 Scott St., 5134 Grantwood St. and 5141 Grantwood St., the development will consist of three separate buildings featuring one-bedroom apartments designed specifically for low-income seniors. The project was made possible, in part, because of a land grant from the Midtown Redevelopment Authority
WALIPP Senior Residence Expansion will feature two four-story elevator-served buildings and one two-story elevator-served building with exterior finishes including brick and cementitious siding. Each apartment will include a central HVAC system; 9-foot ceilings; vinyl plank flooring; full kitchen with refrigerator, self-cleaning oven, disposal, and microwave; in-unit washer and dryer; and ceiling fans in the living room and bedroom. Community amenities will include furnished community rooms in each building, a fitness center, business center with computers and printer, activity room, ample green space with a shuffleboard court and secure controlled-access entry.
Beyond quality housing, the property will provide enhanced services coordinated by dedicated onsite staff and a resident services coordinator from VOA Texas. Services will include a food pantry, social events and activities, health services coordination, meal programs and educational opportunities.
“As a national nonprofit affordable housing developer, it’s an honor for VOANS to partner with WALIPP and contribute to this important initiative in Houston’s Third Ward,” said Deborah Welchel, vice president of development for VOANS. “Through this collaboration with Volunteers of America Texas and WALIPP, we’re bringing much-needed affordable housing to seniors in this historic neighborhood while ensuring residents have access to comprehensive support services.”
“Increasing affordable housing options for our senior neighbors continues to be a priority for VOA Texas, both in developing new properties and ensuring that services are provided which allow each resident to age in place with the supports they need to live independently,” said VOA Texas CEO Angela King. “We are excited about this new partnership and look forward to working with WALLIP for decades to come to guarantee seniors can live safely and thrive in their community.”
This property expansion will honor the life and legacy of Reverend William A. Lawson, one of Houston’s most prominent civil rights leaders. Rev. Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church where he served for more than 40 years and was instrumental in Houston’s civil rights movement and desegregation efforts. Until his passing in May 2024 at the age of 95, he remained a powerful voice for peaceful discourse and positive societal change.
“My father devoted his life to uplifting those who were overlooked and underserved, particularly in the Third Ward community he loved so deeply,” said Cheryl Lawson, executive director of WALIPP and daughter of Rev. William A. Lawson. “Seeing the WALIPP Senior Residence Expansion come to fruition is a testament to his vision of how the community can come together to serve its citizens. He would be so proud to know that seniors in this community will have access to dignified, affordable housing with the support services they need to thrive.”
The successful finance closing involved collaboration among numerous partners including:
- WALIPP
- VOANS
- VOA Texas
- Midtown Redevelopment Authority
- Wells Fargo
- Capital Impact Partners
- Cullen Foundation
- Rice Foundation
- FHLB – Atlanta
- FHLB – Dallas
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
- City of Houston
- NEI General Contracting, Inc.
- Hatch + Ulland Owen Architects
- Grantham & Associates
- True Casa Consulting, LLC
Construction for the WALIPP Senior Residence Expansion began in October 2025, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for December. The project is expected to be completed in April 2027.
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About Volunteers of America National Services
Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS), a subsidiary of Volunteers of America, provides affordable housing and healthcare services in over 40 states and in Puerto Rico. The organization employs over 2,000 dedicated staff who provide high quality services and care to our clients. As one of the largest non-profit affordable housing owners/operators in the nation, the VOANS portfolio includes over 240 properties and 15,000 affordable housing units. VOANS also operates senior healthcare programs, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, home health care, adult day care and Programs for all Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Learn more at www.voans.org.
About Volunteers of America Texas
Volunteers of America Texas is a ministry of service that empowers individuals and families to overcome obstacles to reach their full potential and thrive. The ministry strengthens communities through an array of services, including substance abuse treatment and prevention, affordable housing, community re-entry, employment training, and disability services. With locations in more than 30 urban and rural communities, Volunteers of America Texas has been helping those who need it most for more than 100 years. For more information, visit www.voatx.org.
About the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity
The William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity (WALIPP) builds bridges between generations, from the students rising at The Lawson Academy to the elders thriving at the WALIPP Senior Residence. Together, we are shaping Houston’s future.
About Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America is one of the nation’s largest, established comprehensive human services organizations with 16,000 mission-driven professionals, dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded in 1896, the faith-based nonprofit has programs in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, serving more than 1.5 million people a year. Learn more at www.voa.org.
Contacts
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Raytevia Evans
Director of Communications
Volunteers of America National Services
Email: revans@voa.org
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