Senior Gains Access to Better Healthcare at Magnolia Trace

Although lower rent is the main goal of affordable housing, other costs can impact a resident’s quality of life. An often-overlooked cost is travel expenses to and from necessary services, like gas, groceries, banking, and healthcare, particularly for aging residents.

Betty Brooks, a native of Wilcox County, used to travel up to two hours each way just to visit her specialized doctors in Montgomery. Being so far from necessary services, Betty started to find her rural living situation unsuitable, so in March of 2025, she decided to move to Montgomery.

“I moved from Wilcox because it’s closer to my doctors,” says Brooks. “I no longer have to do the long-distance driving.”

Betty now lives at Magnolia Trace, a 56-unit affordable apartment community, where she enjoys a spacious floor plan, a walk-in shower, and visiting with other residents. AHFA provided Housing Tax Credits resulting in an equity infusion of $14.2 million for Magnolia Trace, and $3.1 million in HOME funds to finance its construction.

Ms. Brooks’ doctors advised her to avoid long drives whenever possible, so she now only visits her hometown for church services. “I got better healthcare, and I don't have to travel 90 miles to get to a doctor,” Betty said. “I can now go two to three miles and I'm at my doctor’s office.”

Multifamily Administrator David Young sat down with Betty in her new apartment to hear her story at the recent Grand Opening of Magnolia Trace.

“AHFA encourages projects that are in close proximity to healthcare,” said Young. “It ensures that people like Betty get the best care possible while living in affordable housing.”

Many elderly renters live in rural areas, and face numerous barriers to receive the healthcare they need. For this reason, AHFA awards points for applications that are near necessary services, including a hospital or a doctor’s office.

“Our seniors often face chronic conditions and live in neighborhoods with a lack of access to healthcare options and limited public transportation,” said Young. “Incentivizing developers to provide housing near these much-needed services makes life a little easier for Alabama’s aging population.”