news-record.com

Elderly residents of Wesleyan Homes in High Point are finding out that nothing is forever. Some who had planned on living out their golden years there now are faced with finding a new home.

Fortunately, High Point University has stepped up and is committed to making a difficult transition go a little more smoothly.

The owner, Providence Place, sold the building to the university, which eventually will convert it to student housing. In turn, the company plans to build a new assisted-living facility elsewhere in the city. However, Wesleyan residents may not meet the criteria to go there.

Business, as they say, is business. A company official cited the recession, government funding cutbacks and maintenance on a 30-year-old building as reasons for the sale. All valid.

Likewise, the purchase is a good fit for a fast-growing HPU that admittedly has ruffled feathers by its rapid expansion. School officials, however, were quick to point out that, in this instance, they were approached, rather than initiating the deal.

But what makes solid economic sense should be tempered by a dose of compassion. For the elderly, leaving friends and familiar surroundings is particularly stressful, not to mention a likely financial strain.

Both Providence Place and HPU have vowed to work with the 80 residents in relocating. And to its credit, school officials subsequently announced that HPU won't take over the Wesleyan Homes property until all residents find places to live.

Also, the southeastern regional office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development has set the record straight by reassuring them that they have one year before eviction and will qualify personally for rent-subsidy vouchers that now go directly to Wesleyan Homes. Without such a subsidy, some can't afford to move.

The wider Triad community can help by identifying existing housing meeting special needs of the elderly. Families and friends also may have to offer assistance, at least in the short term.

HPU's caring spirit and willingness to work with blindsided residents deserves high praise.

Still puzzling is the misinformation that has clouded the sale. With fuller disclosure before the purchase, much of the angst might have been averted.