September 17, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 149 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1161-E1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING EPISCOPAL HOMES OF MINNESOTA ON ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2019

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Episcopal Homes of 
Minnesota on its 125th anniversary of caring for and serving senior 
communities in Saint Paul.
  Episcopal Homes began in 1894 with a visionary leader named Sister 
Annette Relf. Sister Annette was a hospital nurse and Minnesota's first 
Episcopal Deaconess, who saw a need for a home and place of comfort for 
poor and elderly women. The first home was founded at 710 Martin Street 
in Saint Paul. In 1909, Sister Annette herself became a resident of the 
home until she died in 1915. The tradition of strong women's leadership 
continued in 1930, when Eliza May was elected as the first President of 
the Board and women took over daily management of the home.
  The Great Depression brought major challenges to the community, and 
the federal government responded by granting the home an exception from 
taxes. The Social Security Act was passed which kept many residents out 
of poverty by providing retirement security. After World War II, the 
home grew to accommodate 70 residents. In 1970, the home officially 
became the Episcopal Church Home of Minnesota. The need for more 
supportive services led to the hiring of an occupational therapist who 
could address the physical, recreation and social needs of residents.
  Episcopal Homes has continued to grow to serve residents, receiving a 
major grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 
(HUD) to build subsidized housing for seniors. In 2011, Kings Crossing 
Apartments opened in Saint Paul's Frogtown neighborhood, which HUD 
lauded as a model for innovative community planning and neighborhood 
revitalization. This federal investment has continued and been valuable 
to Episcopal Homes' nine senior communities located near Green Line 
Light Rail stops along University Avenue in Saint Paul. Episcopal Homes 
has won numerous awards and recognition for its care and services--
including those from Aging Services of Minnesota, the Metropolitan 
Council, the Midway Chamber of Commerce, the Saint Paul Area Chamber of 
Commerce and U.S. News & World Report.
  Today, Episcopal Homes is home to more than 1400 residents who thrive 
in their retirement years through the continuum of care offered through 
the homes in the heart of Saint Paul. Madam Speaker, please join me in 
honoring the 125th anniversary of Episcopal Homes of Minnesota's 
dedication to building affordable, diverse, vibrant communities and 
enhancing the lives of older adults.

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