Golden glow tower (GGT)

Preserving affordable housing for seniors | NAMPA, ID

Since 1970, the 64-unit Golden Glow Tower has been home to low-income seniors in Nampa. A staple in the landscape of the city, GGT is a home that allows seniors to age in place in their community. With residents who are more like family than neighbors, life in GGT is vibrant and connected.

 
 

Stability for an established community

Residents of Golden Glow Tower currently live in the lowest unsubsidized senior rental units in the United States, with rents as low as $260 a month (which includes utilities). The occupant’s individual income levels at GGT are as low as $6,000 a year. 

The current owners of GGT have expressed their challenge to continue caring for the property and people at the level they have over the past 50 years of ownership. As they considered their goals in transitioning ownership to another like-minded organization, the owners offered to sell GGT to LEAP Housing. LEAP has a track record that aligns with their values ensuring that the preservation of attainable rents and continued housing for senior residents will not be in jeopardy

Creative solutions

LEAP has an opportunity to purchase the property and make these attainable rents sustainable. Since they’ve been unsubsidized for so long, we’ve got a bit of work to do to make sure these residents keep paying rents they can afford. Like with most of our projects, we’re going to get creative to make it work.

With a mix of capital to make it work, a part of the solution will come in the form of tenant vouchers and project-based vouchers—dollars that will allow us to have the cash flow needed to keep GGT running sustainably while keeping rents attainable.

In order to purchase GGT, LEAP is getting a loan for $3.5M, and we need to come to the table with $1M. This will not only lower the cost of the overall loan, but it will allow us to put more towards necessary repairs and upgrades to keep the building safe.

Community Support

Here’s where you come in: we need help with that $1M. We’re now asking the community to come around GGT and its residents to help with the rest. Tell your friends, tell your neighbors… Nampa is working together!

Please consider donating to our GGT campaign. Any gifts given will make a real difference in the lives of Nampa seniors.

 
 
 
 

The Faces of Golden Glow Tower

 

Wayne & Constance

Wayne and Constance both moved in to the building about 12 years ago. Both from Nampa, they remember watching the building being constructed.

They met at a resident social event and kept running into each other around the building. Eventually, they discovered they had a lot in common. They’ve been golfing, dancing, and traveling together since.

 

Emil

Emil is a veteran who has lived in the building for about a year. Golden Glow has provided a place for him to find new friends, and he loves the environment and culture of neighbors looking out for each other. He has a neighbor who has driven him to the VA hospital twice.

“Everything works the way its supposed to. It’s a great place to live.”

Mary Ann

Mary Ann has lived in GGT for “25 years of bliss.” Her apartment is her sanctuary and is centrally located for her in Nampa. Her family, stores, and doctors are all easily accessible from GGT.

Mary Ann is known by other residents as a source of sage advice and wisdom.

“I grew up [in Nampa]… I’m so happy to be able to live here.”

 

JEAN

Back in her 30’s, Jean lived in the home that once sat on the lot that GGT now stands on. She has great memories from that time and loves being able to live in the same place again, even if it’s in a different building. Her favorite thing about living at GGT is the warmth and friendship of the other residents. 

“This is my home sweet home”