Knights of Pythias Retirement Center

Knights of Pythias Retirement Center in Vancouver, Washington, gives seniors aged 62 and older, as well as younger disabled adults, a place to live that feels much like home because the apartments are affordable, equipped with regular-sized appliances, a pantry, a garbage disposal, individual bathrooms, and kitchenettes, plus you can bring small pets along if you want, and the building's got 24-hour staffed security and monitoring, so folks feel safe coming and going at any hour, and each apartment's got an emergency pull cord, so help's close by when needed, and the staff is around day and night for any concerns. Residents can join a meal program if they don't want to cook, and there's a general store right on the property, a library for reading or using a computer with internet, an arts and crafts room to do hobbies, and even a Pythian Salon for haircuts or beauty treatments. Those looking to stay fit can use the wellness and fitness center, and housekeeping or laundry services are available for an extra cost, which helps if chores get too hard. Though there is no nursing or medical care on-site, memory care services do exist, and maintenance and repairs are handled by staff, which takes a load off the residents' shoulders. Folks with limited income can apply because the apartments are subsidized thanks to a federal Section 231 HUD project with Section 8 assistance, which means even people who don't have a lot of money can still find a secure place to live with community, and that's been the mission since the facility opened its doors back in 1980, though the organization's history in Vancouver goes all the way back to 1923, and as a non-profit, everything done here uses any income to keep the place running, offer more for the residents, and make sure low-income seniors have somewhere steady to call home, and it all keeps going with about 30 employees and oversight as a 501(c)(3) organization. The center's community aims to support independent seniors who want a safe, comfortable setting with flexible options and some friendly faces, so daily living is a little brighter and a lot less stressful.