The Landing at East Point will be a new apartment community marketed to older LGBTQI+ adults and their allies; to be built at East Point development in Rumford
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (January 28, 2026): Aldersbridge Communities, a local nonprofit provider of assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and independent living services for older adults, held an awareness event this evening at East Providence City Hall for its newest community, The Landing at East Point.
In partnership with Valley Affordable Housing Corp. (Cumberland) and in consultation with Barbara Sokoloff Associates (Providence), both of which specialize in affordable housing development, Aldersbridge plans to construct a four-story modern apartment building as part of Noble Development’s 29-acre East Point housing development in the Phillipsdale area of Rumford, R.I., just off Bourne Avenue. When completed, it will provide 39 units of affordable, independent living-style rental apartments to be marketed to LGBTQI+ elders and their allies.
Nearly 70 community supporters attended the invitation-only awareness event to hear details about the project from Aldersbridge Communities CEO Richard Gamache, Aldersbridge Trustee Dr. Jodi Glass, and Valley Affordable Housing Corp. Executive Director Jeffrey Swanson. Speaker of the R.I. House of Representatives Joseph Shekarchi, R.I. Senate President Valarie Lawson, and City of East Providence Communications Director Matt Paddock provided greetings and words of support for The Landing.
“We are excited to partner with Valley Affordable Housing Corp. in developing the very first LGBTQIA+ community for older adults in Rhode Island,” stated Richard Gamache, MS, FACHCA, chief executive officer of Aldersbridge Communities. “It will cost $18.5 million to make The Landing a reality, and we have approximately $17.5 million either pledged or received at this point. We are embarking on a fundraising campaign to reach the final milestone.”
Once completed in 2027, The Landing at East Point will include an inviting entry foyer, light and airy apartments situated around common corridors and sitting areas, and outdoor terrace and courtyard for gathering. Other amenities are energy efficiency, open floor plans, elevators, a water feature focal point, and parking lot.
“I can’t say enough about the support we’ve received for this initiative ~ from our development partners, the City of East Providence, the community, and our Board of Trustees and leaders who have never wavered in their commitment,” Dr. Glass commented. “There’s a fear among LGBTQ+ people growing older in our society due to bias, ridicule, discrimination, and being turned away from their biological families. We came out once and, for many, that was traumatic. To face the prospect of having to do that again when one enters senior housing is frightening.”
Valley Affordable Housing Corp. Executive Director Jeffrey Swanson echoed the need for safe, affordable and well-maintained housing, which is what his organization has been building and managing for the past 30 years. “I find Jodi Glass’ passion so infectious, and am so pleased to be a part of this,” he stated. “As Valley is a nonprofit as well, the missions of Aldersbridge and Valley dovetail so well together. Once completed, we will transfer property management operations for The Landing to our wholly owned subsidiary, Pinnacle Property Management LLC.”
Speaker Shekarchi offered heartfelt congratulations. “It’s an honor to be among friends and people who share a vision of acceptance, equality and a sense of community,” he stated. “That’s not found everywhere, sadly. I can see the passion in Aldersbridge and the mission. Housing is the centerpiece of my tenure. It takes a village, a team. What would make me very happy is to come back here for the groundbreaking celebration.”
Senate President Lawson expressed her ongoing commitment to the project. “The work that Aldersbridge does for its residents and the community is phenomenal. Our shared values about diversity and inclusivity in East Providence makes me proud, that’s what makes Townies special,” she stated. “Housing projects like this one represent who we are and the type of development we need to support in our state. Tonight, we celebrate the creation of safe, stable and affordable places to live with dignity. Everybody deserves that. We’re grateful that Aldersbridge took this on to be the driving force in East Providence.”
Projected income limits and monthly rents for The Landing based on 2025 calculations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are as follows:
- a) 60% of less of the average median income: $48,000/yr for one person; $54,840/yr for family of two; monthly rent of $1,202 for one bedroom and $1,442 for two bedrooms
- b) 80% of average median income: $64,000/yr for one person; $73,100 for family of two; monthly rent of $1,603 for one bedroom and $1,923 for two bedrooms
“Currently there is a list of 44 interested parties for the 35 one-bedroom and 4 two-bedroom apartments,” added Swanson. “There will be a formal waiting list established approximately 90 days before the project opens, and all interested parties will be notified of this beforehand. Rents will include hot water and pets are allowed.”
East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva had a state meeting to attend elsewhere, so his Communications Manager Matt Paddock stepped up to the podium to close out the evening with remarks. “Every decision the Mayor makes is done so with the whole community’s best interest in mind,” he said. “The Landing will be the first LGBTQ-friendly and affordable senior housing in the state, and the Mayor is incredibly proud of that. East Providence is continuing to lead by example. He’s behind it, and wants to continue having our city keep leading, breaking barriers and glass ceilings. This is a project near and dear to his heart. We are proud that East Providence is going to be able to call The Landing at East Point home.”
Post-event, Mayor DaSilva issued this statement: “Our administration has prioritized underutilized properties such as former brownfields and shuttered storefronts and bringing new life to them. I am so pleased that this development is creating new housing opportunities from high-end housing to the affordable housing component that will bring 39 LGBTQIA+ friendly units of affordable housing aimed toward our senior population,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “East Providence is a welcoming and inclusive community for all, and this project further provides housing for all walks of life in our city.”
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TO PURCHASE AN ENGRAVED BRICK OR DONATE FUNDS to help support our fundraising campaign for The Landing at East Point, visit: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/thelanding
BELOW ARE PHOTOS from the Awareness event held at East Providence City Hall:
