Emilie House Celebrates 40 Years of Service

Staff, residents, caregivers and special guests gathered at Emilie House in Portland, OR on Tuesday, August 11 to celebrate its 40th Anniversary.  Emilie House was built and opened by the Sisters of Providence in 1986, joining Vincent House in downtown Seattle and Providence House Yakima in the new and growing supportive housing portfolio.  Emilie House provides affordable housing and service coordination for seniors aged 62 and older and those under 62 with mobility impairment. 

The celebration embraced an 80s theme, with residents enjoying a catered lunch, an ice cream cart, and a petting zoo featuring baby goats, rabbits, and ducklings. The day also included lively and competitive rounds of bingo.  Resident Mary Howard expressed, “It was a great celebration.  I’m thankful that I get to live here”.  Resident Margaret Pizza shared her joy of the event, “The party was wonderful…. thank you, thank you, thank you.”  Resident Kathie Hitchcock stood up to declare “I have been here for 15 years, and I can honestly say this is the best group of people.”  Senior Housing Program Manager Shannan Stickler reflected that “the spirit of Emilie Gamelin was present, evidenced by the joy and engagement of residents throughout the day.”

Emilie House is one of 19 programs that comprise the Providence Supportive Housing ministry.  Providence Supportive Housing provides affordable housing and service coordination for seniors, people with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness in Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California.  More information can be found at www.providence.org/supportive-housing.