Trinity Gardens to start renovation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Trinity Gardens Apartments, which are sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, soon will begin renovation and construction of their housing units.

The renovation is possible thanks to affordable housing tax credits, which will help finance the cost of renovating 54 units and adding 24. Renovations and construction are scheduled to start this summer.

“The process to access funding is very complex and highly competitive. Due to the competition, our project was not awarded the funding during its initial application,” said Carly Akard, director of communications for Catholic Charities. “However, we have partnered with an experienced and highly efficient property management company that has maintained a high standard of service for our clients, allowing us to overcome the small hurdles that are common in the process.” 

Trinity Gardens provides housing for people who are age 62 and older, and who meet specific income requirements. Trinity Gardens serves people of all faiths.

Catholic Charities first secured affordable housing tax credits in 1996 to finance the costs of rehabilitating the building. Catholic Charities made a long-term commitment for the use of the property to provide affordable housing for seniors. 

Trinity Gardens opened in April 1997 with 54 unfurnished one-bedroom apartments and four unfurnished two-bedroom apartments. The original chapel serves as the community room. The building also has a large common area upstairs that is furnished, a coin-operated laundry and ample parking. The Margaret Ann Boys Trust provided funding for a community garden that is located on the site.

Akard added that Oklahoma City has a serious shortage of affordable housing units. According to a recent article in the Curbside Chronicle, there are only 41 units available for every 100 very low-income households. Catholic Charities is exploring more ways to participate and to implement affordable housing projects to relieve the shortage.

“Trinity Gardens has provided an affordable housing opportunity for more than 25 years by serving the elderly with low income and very low income. The renovation of the existing units will allow Catholic Charities to continue to provide this service and expand the number of households we can serve,” Akard said.

Jolene Schonchin is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.


Trinity Gardens Statistics – 2020 
- Resident age range: 63 to 82; 
- Maximum income to qualify: single $31,260, double $35,760; 
- Income range: $4,600 to $30,000; 
- Residents served: 65;
- 3825 N.W. 19, OKC 73107.

More information: Contact Carly Akard at (405) 523-3009, [email protected].