Karin House residents will benefit from newly-renovated apartments and wrap-around support from SOME’s integrated continuum of care
On Monday, December 13th, SOME held the dedication of Karin House in honor of Karin Akerson. Karin Akerson and her family were long-time advocates and supporters of SOME. This property will provide 40 seniors with newly renovated apartments on the historic Walter Reed campus in Washington, D.C. Karin House will offer efficiency units for older adults who earn no more than 30% family median income (FMI). Karin House is aligned with Mayor Bowser’s and SOME’s shared goal for the equitable distribution of affordable housing throughout the city.
SOME believes that affordable housing and supportive programs improve the economic status of residents, revitalize neighborhoods, and stabilize lives. SOME is proud to continue to expand its affordable housing portfolio into Northwest DC, making these vibrant neighborhoods accessible for those experiencing extreme poverty. Karin House features ADA-accessible units, assistive safety features throughout, community space for residents to gather, an office for on-site nursing visits, a vegetable garden, and two beautiful courtyard spaces for the residents to enjoy.
“Karin was a champion of SOME throughout her life and we are honored to open this building bearing Karin’s name,” President and CEO Ralph Boyd said, “this day has been a decade in the making since SOME first submitted applications for a site on this Historic Walter Reed Campus. We are thrilled this day is finally here.” Ralph Boyd’s remarks are accessible here.
Karin House will be a part of SOME’s Senior Services continuum, which offers health, wellness, and recreational activities and links participants to supportive services. Residents of Karin House will have access to activities such as fitness classes, health and wellness seminars, senior advocacy workgroups, and community trips (museums, shopping, etc.). The Homebound Senior Program is also included in SOME’s Senior Services programming, providing long-term, intensive case management to seniors in their homes. Case management support services include regular needs assessments, weekly calls, links to community resources, accompaniment to doctor appointments, and other practical assistance to support senior residents.
Special thanks to SOME’s supporters who made the development of Karin House possible, including the Akerson Family, DC Department of Housing and Community Development, DC Housing Finance Agency, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, Hamel Construction, JP Morgan Chase, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Miner Feinstein Architects, National Equity Fund, Parks at Walter Reed and SOME’s staff and volunteers.