CHARLOTTE — Building affordable housing for people in need has been a goal for the Diocese of Charlotte since Bishop William Curlin established the diocese’s Housing Corp. in 2001. In the 15 years since its founding, the non-profit ministry has developed three facilities, two for senior citizens and one for disabled adults.
Now under new leadership, the diocesan Housing Corp. seeks to build even more housing units as well as reach out to skilled professionals in the diocese who can help the ministry grow.
The Housing Corp. was founded to create, maintain, promote and operate housing and accompanying services for seniors and families with low incomes, as well as other vulnerable populations. It is funded by contributions from the annual Diocesan Support Appeal.
Former director Jerry Widelski, who retired last fall, oversaw the construction of the ministry’s three housing projects: Curlin Commons, a 40-unit senior adult apartment community in Mooresville; Good Shepherd Gardens, a 19-unit senior adult apartment community neighboring Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury; and Mother Teresa Villa, a 13-unit independent living apartment community in Charlotte for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Millions of dollars from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and in the case of Curlin Commons, Low Income Housing Tax Credits and a partnership with Mosaic Development Group, helped make each project a reality.
Adriel Cardenas, who succeeds Widelski as director of the Housing Corp., commends Widelski’s leadership and wants to build on his successful record.
“Jerry and the board really got the ball rolling,” Cardenas said. “I want to recognize the amazing job they did in a challenging industry. There is a lot of competition for awards, and there are a lot of regulations you have to comply with to complete these facilities.”
Cardenas comes to the Housing Corp. from Wells Fargo, where he specialized in equity investment and affordable housing. A native of Florida, he and his family now call Charlotte home.
“I hope to build on the momentum and increase the size, scope and reach of the Housing Corporation’s portfolio,” he said.
Cardenas said he would especially like to partner with parishes, as was the case with Curlin Commons and Good Shepherd Gardens. He said he hopes that more land will become available in the future to build more projects like those.
Another priority on his agenda is to add more people from across the diocese to the board of directors for the Housing Corp., he said.
Cardenas said he is looking for experienced real estate professionals and people with lending, equity investing, legal, real estate development, accounting or other related skills to fill positions on the board.
“We need the right people to help us develop and steer a long-term strategic plan,” he said.
One of those people will replace Dr. Don Joyce, who is stepping down after more than 13 years on the board.
“My hopes for the corporation are that forward momentum will continue wherever in the diocese the need is greatest,” Joyce said. “The projects that have been completed thus far certainly bode well for the location and the quality of the buildings, and I hope this standard can continue in the future.”
Elizabeth Thurbee, former executive director of Catholic Social Services (now known as Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte), is remaining on the board and said she looks forward to seeing the Housing Corp. serve seniors and other vulnerable people in the diocese.
“My hope for the board is that we are able to attract and maintain board members representing the diversity and geographical extent of our diocese, so we can fulfill our responsibility to ensure that Housing Corp. decisions reflect their mission to serve the special housing needs of vulnerable populations in our diocese with attention to them spiritually, emotionally and physically,” Thurbee said.
Anyone interested in serving on the board of directors for the Housing Corp. is asked to send a cover letter and résumé to Cardenas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before Friday, Jan. 13.
For more information, go to www.charlottediocese.org/housing
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter