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Moravian House celebrates 50 years

Published October 08. 2024 02:13PM
by Ed Courrier Special to the Press

Staff, residents and members of the community came together recently to celebrate 50 years of affordable housing at Moravian House I, 737 Main St., Bethlehem.

Partygoers enjoyed grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and other munchies before digging into a large anniversary cake. A deejay provided dance music and a digital photo booth provided additional entertainment.

A hero among them was celebrated as well. Karen Petko, who serves as a resident manager, was presented with a certificate of recognition by Moravian Development Corp. Vice President Mike Garganta. The retired nurse was credited with saving the life of a fellow resident who was choking during a Memorial Day picnic.

“Moravian House I is our first foray into housing for underserved communities,” said Dan Soos, CEO of Bethlehem Area Moravians. “Affordable housing is probably the number one issue here in the city.” While there are no large-scale expansion plans at this time, Soos mentioned that there are still smaller projects in the works.

According to MDC Chief Operating Officer Brad Senick, there are 320 independent living units at the Bethlehem Main Street campus and a total of 21 properties throughout the Lehigh Valley with apartments available to disabled residents. “We work with both Lehigh and Northampton counties in partnership with some of those properties,” Senick said.

They also maintain senior centers in Moravian House I and Moravian House IV that are open to residents and to the public for meals and drop-in services.

Bethlehem Area Moravians is the parent company of Moravian Development Corp.

“Moravian housing really began in 1741 with the settlement of the community of Bethlehem,” said Carol Henn as she provided historical perspective.

“What makes the Moravian commitment special is the fact they have been providing housing, as well as education and spiritual guidance, for 280 years,” Henn added.

The Moravian House’s main campus is composed of three buildings located one block from downtown Bethlehem. Priding itself on affordability, the rental community is home to active 55-year-olds and up, as well as those with disabilities. Rent for one of the 1-bedroom apartments is based on 30 percent of a resident’s income.

There are reasonable wait times for moderate-income and low-income apartments.

Press photos by Ed CourrierMDC Chief Operating Officer Brad Senick and BAM CEO Dan Soos bring out dessert for the Moravian House I 50-year anniversary party.
Grilling the hot dogs and burgers are, from left, Moravian Houses Property Manager Ashley Lilly, MDC Director of Properties Jed Foulk and MDC Vice President Mike Garganta.
“I love what I do,” says social worker Kristel Seagreaves, at left. Accompanying her are, from left, Moravian House residents Lorraine Miller and Felicita Rodriguez. Miller has lived there for two years and Rodriguez for 10.
Theresa Spagnola is served lunch at the Moravian House 50th anniversary celebration. A resident for more than 10 years, the 99-year-old is looking forward to her birthday in November when she turns 100.
MDC Vice President Mike Garganta and Moravian Houses Property Manager Ashley Lilly present resident manager Karen Petko with a certificate of recognition. Petko is one of two resident managers.
Long-time resident Jeffrey Korr has fun dressing up for the digital photo booth run by Dylan Butz of Lehigh Valley Events.
MDC Chief Operating Officer Brad Senick is greeted by resident Christine Hinkle.
In the foreground, Moravian House I is the first of the affordable housing units for seniors built at the corner of Main Street and Union Boulevard in 1974. Behind it, from left, are Moravian House II and Moravian House III.