Backed with $3 million in federal funds, Senior Connection is launching a $20-million capital campaign to support the project, with plans to begin construction in the summer or fall of 2027.Â
Worcester-based nonprofit Senior Connection has purchased a plot of land at 264 Stafford St. for $765,000, part of an effort to build housing for grandparents and other relatives raising children.Senior Connection purchased the 3.6-acre site in a transaction finalized Thursday, according to the Worcester District Registry of Deeds. Plans for the site call for the construction of 39 housing units, along with a grandfamily resource center, with the intent of providing safe and affordable housing.The project received approval from the Worcester Planning Board on June 3. Backed with $3 million in federal funds, Senior Connection is launching a $20-million capital campaign to support the project, with plans to begin construction in the summer or fall of 2027. More details on the capital campaign and project will be made available in the coming months, according to a Friday announcement of the land purchase.“As thousands of grandparents and kinship caregivers are stepping up to raise children across the commonwealth, the need for a stable, resource-rich environment has never been greater,” Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Worcester) said in the announcement.A rendering of the community's playground. RENDERING COURTESY OF SENIOR CONNECTIONSenior Connection’s plans for the site include workforce development and financial literacy programs, after-school activities, and access to health, wellness, and social services. Many grandparents raising their grandchildren — frequently due to deaths in the family or separations — struggle with housing affordability and eligibility issues, according to a letter submitted to the Worcester Planning Board as part of Senior Connection’s application.Grandfamilies House and the Franklin Field House Development, both located in Boston, are two other Massachusetts housing developments with grandparent-focused units, according to Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network. Todd Rodman of Worcester-based law firm Sedler & Chandler is representing Senior Connection for the project. The property was purchased from Worcester-based nonprofit Seven Hills Foundation, which had originally bought it for $550,000 in 2008 with the intent of building an administrative facility there. The site at 264 Stafford St. received a 2026 assessment of $959,400, according to City of Worcester property records. Founded in 1974, Senior Connection provides information and resources to older adults and caregivers across Central Massachusetts. In May, the nonprofit launched a mobile barber shop meant to meet older adults where they are and assist them with enrolling in state benefits.Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the real estate and banking & finance industries.Â
