Mt Airy Homes at 200 Arch St E in Saint Paul has 153 apartments spread across 10 floors, and you'll find both one-bedroom and two-bedroom options, including some with kitchen pantries and plenty of cabinets, so there's a bit of room for putting things away, and the bathrooms all have tubs with showers in them, and you'll see some units set up specially for folks with disabilities and those who use wheelchairs, which helps make things a lot easier for getting around. The rent here can be based on income, since the place takes part in the RAD Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance program, and people on the waiting list can wait quite some time because of how long the list can get, but the rent stays affordable for people who qualify, especially for those who need subsidized housing. There's a manager on site called Joanne Macdonald, who handles things in person, and there are laundry rooms right in the building along with free parking outside, and folks can spend time on the outdoor patio or work in the community flower and vegetable gardens, which is nice in the warmer months if you like getting your hands in the dirt.
The Mt Airy Community Center and Mt Airy Apartments are at the same address and there's a real neighborhood feeling, with group outings, social events, and different activities planned to keep people moving, chatting, and feeling less alone, and there's paid attention to making things good for your well-being, whether you're looking to join in with others or just want some quiet time. The community has support programs for people with disabilities-including help for vision and hearing loss, guidance from groups like Disability Hub MN, and services that reach out to children, families, and parents who could use a hand. There's help for parents through groups like Family Voices Minnesota and PACER, along with resources tied to developmental, behavioral, and mental health for children, including programs like Early Head Start and screenings for kids right from birth to age seven, and you can find family home visiting, education, and even some specialized support for pregnant women such as medical benefits and insurance help, even car seats and diapers, or breastfeeding advice if needed.
Residents who need support with daily living, like bathing or getting dressed, can find help through assisted living services here, and there's memory care for those with Alzheimer's or other kinds of dementia-these services aim to provide comfort and safety, helping reduce confusion and preventing wandering. If someone is still pretty self-sufficient and just wants a bit of support with social activities, meals, or laundry, there's independent living, so nobody has to give up their freedom completely. For those who'd rather get support at home, home care aides offer some help with daily routines and companionship. Staff get described as helpful and kind, and there's a focus on good, nutritious meals that keep people feeling well, with special recognition for the food, and you'll see community features like nearby hospitals, pharmacies, and grocery stores, making it easier for those who need quick access to essentials.
The building gets managed as public housing with policies and inspections to make sure everything meets standards, and there are other services like congregate housing programs, family support, youth and community activities, and programs to help folks work toward self-sufficiency. The Saint Paul Public Housing Agency manages everything, aiming to give families and individuals a stable, affordable place to call home, with an emphasis on green and sustainable practices, and there's help with applications and rent agreements for those in the Section 8 or Housing Choice Voucher programs. It's not a place with all the high-end features, but it tries to give people what they need, with a genuine effort made to keep things safe, affordable, and welcoming for everyone.
