Family Resources 2 min read

Peek inside: Affordable retirement living

January 16, 2023

This winter, Immanuel opened the doors to its first community in Council Bluffs and third Classic Courtyard offering affordable 55+ living. (Check out the festivities here.) Graceview Courtyard offers senior living accessible to those with limited income. Located in the heart of Council Bluffs, IA, just minutes from Iowa Western Community College and the Council Bluffs Public Library, the community features 28 one-bedroom and 28 two-bedroom apartments through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program.

What is Affordable Senior Living?
Graceview Courtyard offers affordable living environments through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program. Under the program, residents must meet certain income eligibility requirements. Unlike HUD subsidized housing, where residents pay for housing based on a percentage of their income, LIHTC housing has a set rate for rent that’s well below the average cost of similar retirement community apartments. To qualify, one of the requirements is rent and any utility payments must be under 50% of the resident’s gross annual income.

Affordable communities are an important part of our not-for-profit mission to serve seniors throughout the community. Our vision is that all people, regardless of backgrounds or financial circumstances, should be supported to live their best retirements.

Amenities at Graceview Courtyard
Not all affordable communities are created equal. For many developers, bare minimum requirements shape life in affordable environments. Not at Immanuel. Here, our Classic Courtyards are wrapped in the same quality we bring to all our communities. Here, no-maintenance living is possible through onsite staff, available to answer questions, and maintain apartments, campus grounds and so much more. Here, it’s difficult to be lonely with a community room full of resident-led activities, a beauty shop, wellness room and pastoral care and worship services.

55+ Active Living
Our bright apartments complete a resident's living experience at Graceview Courtyard. All appliances (range, refrigerator, dishwasher, washers and dryers) are all included. Gas, electricity, trash—that’s all included too, and there’s discounted packages for cable TV and internet.

One-bedroom floor plans (626 sq. ft.) feature a large 12x9’ bedrooms, living spaces, kitchen, washer/dryer and more. Two-bedrooms are perfect for couples looking for a little extra space. At 805 sq. ft., these apartments feature a full bath, half bath, kitchen, washer/dryer and two large bedrooms perfect for a den, office space or guest room. One-bedrooms start at just $775 and two-bedrooms, $925.

Uncertain Times
Graceview Courtyard opened its doors in February 2020, shortly before we first learned of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), a virus that would most threaten seniors. Immediately, the caring staff at Graceview Courtyard put infection control practices into place for the safety of residents. Ensuring wellbeing required some creativity, but we were up for the challenge. Through care packages, delivered groceries, phone check-ins, pastoral support, daily message of hope, our Virtually Connected campaign, residents were able to stay safely socially connected.

“Living at Graceview Courtyard has been a life saver for me during this pandemic. The staff are very caring and considerate. They purchased our groceries for us, provided treats, arranged ‘hall’ bingo and always had time for some conversation. All of this has helped the isolation tremendously. I could go on and on.” —Wanda, resident at Graceview Courtyard

No one knows what the future holds. But as we’ve learned this year, social connection is more important than ever. Affordable 55+ living offers the conveniences and no-maintenance living to live your best years yet. But what’s priceless about affordable living are the connections, support, cheerful neighbors, and the amenities and quality you never knew you needed.

Two-bedroom apartments are now available! Learn more and complete your resident application by calling 712.201.5339 or at our dedicated Graceview Courtyard webpage.