Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
One organization is creating affordable housing for seniors in Birmingham + across the US—find out how
Reading time: 4 minutes
Have you heard of AHEPA?
It’s a mission-driven organization that’s responsible for community outreach, charity and affordable housing nationwide and most importantly, here in Birmingham.
AHEPA stands for the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. Founded in 1922, it was built on the Hellenic ideals of philanthropy, civic responsibility and humanitarianism. From the beginning, the organization served as a means for Greek immigrants to assimilate in this, their new country.
We spoke with Ike Gulas, a longtime AHEPA leader, to learn more about the organization and its impact on The Magic City, including AHEPA 3 in Hoover.
About AHEPA
Fun fact: In 1980, AHEPA members established AHEPA Senior Living (ASL). This nonprofit organization was created for the purpose of developing and managing affordable senior housing throughout the United States.
Today, ASL:
- Owns + manages over 90 properties in 19 states.
- Provides affordable housing for over 5,000 seniors.
- Is responsible for over $10M in charitable giving.
Alabama is an integral part of ASL’s mission. Throughout the state, there are 18 senior properties, including two in the Greater Birmingham Area.
AHEPA Senior Living
If you’ve ever tried to help a senior in your life find a new place to live, you’ll know there’s more demand for affordable housing than supply.
To meet this growing need, AHEPA Senior Living develops and manages HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly apartments.
It’s about more than just providing a roof over people’s heads, though. ASL aims to foster a compassionate, dignified and safe environment where seniors can live independently as they age in place.
Right here in Hoover, AHEPA 3 is a 72-unit property with a two-year waiting list.
All AHEPA Senior Living properties provide residents a safe home. A variety of tools and amenities in each unit afford residents peace of mind, including:
- An emergency call system
- Grab bars in showers + baths
- Fire alert features
- + more
In addition, each facility houses an onsite manager, maintenance person and service coordinator. All are available to the residents daily.
Meet Ike Gulas
Alabama is home to nearly 25% of AHEPA Senior Living’s portfolio, and Birmingham is home of AHEPA Senior Living’s Chairman of the Board, Ike Gulas.
Ike has been a member of AHEPA for over 40 years and has served as its International President from 2007-9.
In 1995 as a young lawyer, Ike undertook the challenge of overseeing the development of Birmingham’s first AHEPA Senior Living Property in Hoover and has served as the local board’s president since.
According to Ike, he took on such a large task due to his father, Alex Gulas’ philosphy: if you are fortunate enough and able you should give back to your community and society.
Those principles go hand in hand with AHEPA Senior Living’s philosophy.
In addition to serving as AHEPA Senior Living’s Chairman, Ike still has an active law practice and is responsible for opening the Morgan & Morgan BIrmingham office.
His law practice occupies the old Dewberry Drugstore building on Second Avenue North. This is the oldest standing building in the city, which Ike bought and completely renovated in 2001.
AHEPA Senior Living provides safe + affordable homes
AHEPA 3 has several community resources, including the resident garden. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Under Ike’s leadership, AHEPA Senior Living has become the second largest developer and manager of HUD 202 affordable senior apartments in the nation and does not intend to stop there.
Currently, ASL is building two new properties, with applications for more pending.
Finally, AHEPA Senior Living is responsible for more than $10 million in charitable contributions. Much of this is distributed throughout communities like Birmingham through local chapters.
Learn more about what AHEPA + AHEPA Senior Living can do for your community today.
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