Opening Doors to Health, Home, and Community: Celebrating the Grand Opening of the Apartments at Clearfield
On June 2, NewCourtland proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Apartments at Clearfield, a new 48-unit affordable senior housing community in North Philadelphia. What began as a vision rooted in community partnership and neighborhood investment became a powerful celebration of what is possible when residents, public leaders, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector partners come together around a shared purpose.
The event brought together elected officials, housing leaders, healthcare innovators, community advocates, and neighborhood residents to commemorate a project that represents far more than new housing. As NewCourtland President and CEO Joe Duffey shared during his remarks, the Apartments at Clearfield reflect a broader vision where housing, health, and community investment work together to create stability, opportunity, and connection. He emphasized that thriving communities are built by listening to residents, fostering partnerships, and investing in people—not simply constructing buildings.
The celebration featured remarks from Congressman Dwight Evans, Jessie Lawrence, Director of Planning and Development for the City of Philadelphia, State Senator Sharif Street, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, PHFA Board Member John Paone, Philadelphia Housing Authority President and CEO Kelvin Jeremiah, community leader Ron Hinton of the Allegheny West Foundation, and Paul McDonald of McDonald Building Company; and Mo Rushdy of Riverwards Group and the Mayor’s Business Roundtable. Their presence underscored the broad coalition of support behind efforts to expand affordable housing and strengthen neighborhoods across Philadelphia.
Joe Duffey took a moment to recognize the many individuals and organizations whose commitment helped bring the Apartments at Clearfield to life, including the NewCourtland Board Members Steve Mullin, Dr. Neil Pitts, and Dr. Mary Naylor; leadership team Pam Howard, Paul Funaro, Mike DeMarco, Alison Corter, Bob Theil, and Kevin Stewart, Rev. Jennell Maddox, Tameata Jordan, as well as the Allegheny West Foundation, neighborhood Registered Community Organizations (RCOs), development partners, and community stakeholders whose partnership and support made this vision a reality.
He also expressed gratitude for the many leaders, partners, and advocates whose work continues to strengthen Philadelphia and advance NewCourtland’s mission, including Mayor Cherelle Parker; Donavan West; State Representative Roni Green; Max Kent, former Chief Operating Officer of NewCourtland; John Ungar, former General Counsel and Director of Planning at NewCourtland; Laura Weinbaum of PCA; Josh Klaris of North10; Anne Fadullon of MAKE Advisory; Thom Webster, Kevin Williams, and James Burnett of Black Squirrel; Temple University President John Fry; Juliet Marsala of the Office of Long-Term Living and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services; and Pastor Glen Spaulding of Deliverance Evangelistic Church. Together, these leaders and organizations represent the collaborative spirit required to create stronger, healthier, and more connected communities across Philadelphia.
The Apartments at Clearfield are part of NewCourtland’s larger strategy to expand access to affordable housing while advancing innovative models that connect housing with health, supportive services, and community development. The project aligns with NewCourtland’s belief that stable housing serves as a foundation for healthier individuals, stronger families, and more resilient neighborhoods. The event’s theme, “Opening Doors to Health, Home, and Community,” captured that vision and the collective commitment required to make it a reality.
The grand opening was more than a ribbon-cutting. It was a celebration of partnership, progress, and possibility. It demonstrated what can happen when public agencies, community organizations, residents, healthcare leaders, philanthropic partners, and private-sector investors work together toward a common goal.
As the ribbon was cut and guests toured the new community, the message was clear: this milestone represents not an ending, but the beginning of a stronger future for North Philadelphia. NewCourtland is grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating this achievement and helping advance a shared vision of housing, health, and community for generations to come.
