If I had to pick one word that best describes the birth, growth, operation and impetus behind PEP Housing, that word would be community.

Born during a weekly koffee klatch composed of the pastors of several Petaluma area churches, Petaluma Ecumenical Projects responded to the need of friends, neighbors, and congregants whose retirement planning could not keep up with the cost of living in the Northbay. Rather than lose long-time contributing members of the community, the founders decided to take action.

With help from local developers and the sponsorship of the City of Petaluma, PEP would build safe and warm residential communities for senior citizens, taking advantage of a multiplicity of programs that support the acquisition, construction and maintenance through direct grants, loans, and rent subsidies. Reliance on outside funding and changes in the law have required PEP to comply with many rules, regulations, and procedures. And so what began as a relatively informal group (where board members were likely to get phone calls to come correct a plumbing problem in the middle of the night), we are now a professionally-managed and maintained property management and development company; but the importance of community has never changed.

It is a sense of responsibility to our community that has made it easy for PEP to attract a diverse and skilled Board of Directors. It was recognition of what PEP does for the community that lead me to accept the Presidency of the Board, and that has moved PEP to the head of my list of outside interests. It is the common sense of community that developed around PEP in Petaluma that has consistently transcended the changing winds of local politics and that has united our diverse City Counsel. And it is the warm sense of community and a belief in what they are doing that has given PEP the most gifted and committed staff in the business.

Most importantly, it is the sense of community that our residents enjoy with each other that provides a barometer for how we are doing. PEP Housing builds communities that enrich all of us. That is why PEP Housing is the leading provider of affordable senior housing in Northern California.

PEP Housing started out as a vision by a group of clergy and civic leaders to provide housing to the lowest income citizens, seniors and people with disabilities. As a result of their efforts, in 1978 PEP became the first non-profit housing provider helping to serve the needs of the people of Petaluma.

Since then, PEP has developed more than 300 low income senior rental units in Sonoma County, demonstrating that dreams can be realized with perseverance and community support. What was once a volunteer organization has grown into a fully staffed group of professionals offering a full complement of services.

Casa Grande Senior Apartments

PEP is getting ready to break ground on its newest senior project in August. Situated on 2.33 acres, Casa Grande Senior Apartments will feature 57 one bedroom, one bath units (plus manager's unit) with many beautiful features including: Community building with fireplace and dance floor, private garden and bocce ball court overlooking Adobe Creek. Casa Grande Senior Apartments will incorporate both green building and universal design practices.

Raffle: Mike Levin picked but lost; Sue got the $10.             

                              Lots of hopeful ticket buyers  

but no big winners....the Jackpot is over $1000!!!!