Photos: King's Court CDC

King's Court Apartments

(left) Residents plant a tree on the grounds of King's Court.

My name is Rose Marie, and I live in King’s Court Apartments. I was the first resident of King’s Court in 1995. I lived in the nearby Monte Vista neighborhood for more than 40 years. My husband and I raised seven children in a five-bedroom home. After his death in 1973, I worked for a few years at the County Hospital. After I stopped working, it became too expensive for me to maintain the large home on my social security income. Although some of my children wanted me to live with them, I wanted to maintain my independence. That is why I am so glad the opportunity to live in King’s Court came along. When you become older, and live on a fixed income, you really have to watch your nickels and dimes.

Not only did I want to maintain my independence, but I also wanted eo stay in this community where I have lived for many years. King’s Court is in an ideal location. The grocery store is within walking distance. My church, Our Lady of Sorrows, is right around the comer. That was very important to me, because I am very active in the church. I volunteer in several areas, in particular, the Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Proximity to the bus stop is also important to me because I don’t drive. I take the bus downtown to the city jail, where I volunteer as a religious instructor. My apartment in King’s Court is a cozy one-bedroom. The rent is only $360 per month We have a beautiful garden. We even grow parsley and other herbs to use for cooking. Living here has allowed me to continue giving back to the community where I raised my children and spent so many happy years.

"When you become older, and live on a fixed income, you really have to watch your nickels and dimes."