YWCA Greater Newburyport and Element Care PACE Offering Integrated Housing and Comprehensive Healthcare in Methuen

Massachusetts-based non-profits broaden housing and PACE program offerings to underserved older adults in Methuen, Lawrence and other surrounding communities

Methuen, MA. August 19, 2025 – YWCA Greater Newburyport is pleased to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of its affordable housing project in Methuen. In collaboration with Element Care Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), the integrated affordable housing alongside comprehensive PACE programming provides essential, comprehensive healthcare services, and engaging activities to allow older adults to stay engaged and to receive coordinated care at home and in their community.

The initial phase of the project resulted in the completion of 48 units of affordable housing that are integrated with Element Care’s PACE Program. Element Care is a non-profit healthcare organization that provides personalized healthcare to older adults so they can live safely and comfortably in their homes. Phase 2 will entail the construction of an additional 48 units of affordable housing. These units will also have direct access to Element Care’s PACE program through a covered bridge between the buildings.

“The YWCA Residences at Ingalls Court are designed to allow seniors to age in place, the units include roll in showers with strategically placed grab bars to reduce the risk of falling, kitchens which can easily be converted for wheelchair accessibility and community areas where residents can meet and socialize,” said John Feehan, Executive Director at YWCA Greater Newburyport. “The buildings are designed to meet Passive Housing Standards which not only means it will be extremely energy efficient but also means seniors will not have to deal with cold winter drafts.”

“We believe combining affordable housing and healthcare will provide a new model for senior care in the Commonwealth and beyond,” said Julia McDonald, President of the YWCA Board.

The Element Care PACE Methuen Center located on the first floor of 14 Ingalls Court in Methuen helps reduce barriers to care and offers a proactive and person-centered approach to senior healthcare, particularly for low-income seniors. Element Care’s care teams cover the facilitation of several aspects of healthcare including well and sick visits, primary care, physical and occupational activities, meals, social activities, dental, vision, behavioral health, social work, transportation and more. Studies show PACE participants have lower rates of hospital stays and readmissions and improved quality of life. The YWCA Residences at Ingalls Court, located in the same building, will provide affordable senior housing apartments for low-income seniors.

“The PACE program streamlines healthcare by providing personalized care – including primary care and specialist services such as rehabilitation, social work and behavioral health – all under one roof. Integrating housing with healthcare supports the healthcare needs of aging adults while simultaneously addressing the growing senior housing crisis in Massachusetts,” said Douglas Thompson, Chief Executive Officer at Element Care.

This new affordable housing opens as the population of aging seniors in Massachusetts continues to grow. By 2035, nearly one in four residents in Massachusetts will be 65 or older – emphasizing the necessity for quality senior housing solutions and affordable, comprehensive healthcare.

“We are thrilled to provide this integrated housing and coordinated care model to residents of Methuen and the Greater Lawrence area,” said McDonald. “The expansion of the Element Care PACE center in Methuen will allow us to provide personalized care and improve overall quality of life to more members of our local aging population,” said Thompson.

The development of affordable housing in Massachusetts requires the support of numerous stakeholders. The YWCA is deeply appreciative of the Nevins Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Centre for its pivotal role in transforming a vacant lot adjacent to its property into 96 units of affordable housing and an Element Care PACE center. The YWCA extends its sincere appreciation to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for the financial support that enabled this project to succeed. Additionally, the YWCA is receiving an equity investment from Stratford Capital Group and TCF LIHTC Fund of Massachusetts. We are honored that they have trusted the YWCA with these investments. Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Massachusetts Housing Partnership for providing the permanent financing for this project, whose support is greatly appreciated.

About YWCA Greater Newburyport

Founded in 1883, the YWCA Greater Newburyport has been providing affordable housing since 1890. YWCA’s mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The lack of affordable housing disproportionately impacts women and their families. Safe, decent affordable housing can be the foundation of women’s empowerment. Today, YWCA Greater Newburyport operates affordable housing in four communities serving 124 households. In addition, we offer preschool and school age childcare, free programs for cancer survivors, aquatics and wellness. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit us at www.ywcanewburyport.org.

About Element Care PACE

The Element Care PACE Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a non-profit healthcare organization with a simple mission: to help older adults 55+ live safely and comfortably in their homes and communities for as long as they can, keeping their stays in hospitals and nursing facilities as minimal as possible. Founded in 1995, Element Care PACE was established as a joint venture of the Lynn Community Health Center and Greater Lynn Senior Services to bring PACE to seniors in the community. Element Care PACE has seven PACE centers in Massachusetts covering the North Shore, Merrimack Valley and Greater Boston communities. In addition, Element Care has a site in Washington DC. Learn more at www.elementcare.org