Staff photo / Bob Coupland A groundbreaking ceremony took place Sept. 21 behind Third Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Warren, which has partnered with Ohio Thanks You to construct affordable senior housing on property off First Street. From left are Derrick Goliday, owner of Ohio Thanks You; Deidre Goliday, daughter of Patricia Smith and mother of Goliday; Pastor Beverly Locke of the church; Germaine Smith, owner of GoodHome Trends; Barbara Murray, a member of the elders of the church; and Warren Mayor Doug Franklin.

WARREN — Third Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Warren and Ohio Thanks You have partnered to construct affordable senior housing on property off First Street.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place Sept. 21 for the Third Christian Church Housing Initiative, a new affordable housing development dedicated to serving seniors aged 62 and older.

Pastor Beverly Locke said Third Christian Church Disciples of Christ also is celebrating 105 years in ministry this month.

“The groundbreaking of this new project highlights the church’s continued commitment to serving the community and addressing critical needs through faith and action,” she said.

Locke said in partnership with Ohio Thanks You, the project will provide safe, modern and affordable housing opportunities for older adults in Warren and surrounding communities.

“This project is more than just bricks and mortar — it’s about dignity, security and hope for our senior citizens,” Locke said. “We are grateful to partner with Ohio Thanks You to bring this vision to life and provide lasting benefits for our community.”

Locke said the organizations are working to address the housing shortage, and provide safe, stable and accessible living situations for seniors with limited financial resources — ensuring they can afford rent and essential needs like food and health care while maintaining independence, dignity and social connections.

Locke said there was “no better way to kick off the 105th anniversary of the church than a groundbreaking for senior housing to benefit the Warren community for years to come.”

The complex will be known as the Patricia Smith Homes with 20 planned units.

Derrick Goliday, owner of Ohio Thanks You LLC, said the development will feature one-level, two-bedroom quadplex apartment units with garages. Once completed, the Patricia Homes will include four rental units by March 2026, with more to come in the future as the initiative expands.

The Patricia Smith Homes are named in memory of Patricia Smith, a faithful member of Third Christian Church from 1973 until her death in 2022. Smith was Locke’s mother and Goliday’s grandmother.

Investors Germaine and Jackie Smith (Zappetta), owners of GoodHome Trends, also have joined in supporting the initiative, further strengthening the partnership and impact of the Patricia Smith Homes project.

Goliday said when completed, the housing development will encourage neighborhood engagement and create opportunities for seniors to live independently with peace of mind.

Ohio Thanks You is a community-driven organization dedicated to creating opportunities for Ohioans through partnerships, resources and advocacy.