Catholic Charities Celebrates Grand Opening of Mountaintop Homes

(Mount Vernon, MO) – Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri is proud to announce the grand opening of Mountaintop Homes. A partnership with O’Reilly Development, Mountaintop Homes is a mixed-income community that will provide safe, affordable, and inclusive housing. The development sits north of I-44 and adjacent to the Missouri Veterans Commission in Mount Vernon.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday, June 24. Joined by Bishop Edward Rice, the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, a representative of Catholic Charities USA, and other project partners, the grand opening celebration was a culmination of the 18-month construction process.

“O’Reilly Development is especially grateful for our partnership with Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri,” Kaylee Ellis, O’Reilly Development Director of Operations, shared at the grand opening. “Their mission driven work and deep community roots have played an essential role in bringing this vision to life. Catholic Charities’ mission and partnership has helped ensure the community is not only built with care, but with purpose.”

The neighborhood is comprised of 42 residential townhomes for rent with a mix of two- and three- bedroom units. Eight of these units will be reserved for Catholic Charities clients, including homeless/at- risk veterans, mothers in the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program, and mixed-income families. The remaining 34 units are designated as affordable housing units funded by Federal and State Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).

“Affordable and safe housing is fundamental to overcoming the barriers many of our clients face,” said Ken Palermo, Chief Executive Officer. “A neighborhood like Mountaintop Homes provides residents a path towards success coupled with resilience and stability.”

A Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri staff member will work on site to provide resources through housing stability case management, rental and financial assistance, and aid in attaining benefits, employment opportunities, and other supportive services. Through this individualized support, Mountaintop Homes aims to provide residents with the tools and support necessary to build a stable, self-sufficient future.