This story is part of a series published in recognition of Supportive Housing Week, highlighting programs in Douglas County that combine affordable housing with services to help people maintain stability, improve their health and live independently. We are grateful to those who have agreed to share their experiences to show how this investment is making an impact.

Trudy, 78, is among the first tenants to move into Delmar Place Apartments, which opened this year.

“I’m extremely grateful,” she said. “I love being here.”

Trudy, who is retired and lives on a fixed income, had lived alone in her previous apartment for about 10 years. When the rent was set to double in October, she knew she would no longer be able to afford to stay.

At Delmar Place, tenants pay a sliding-scale rent set at approximately 30% of their income. The apartments are owned and managed by the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority.

Trudy moved into Delmar Place two months ago and is already enjoying the benefits of living in the 32-unit housing complex in Lawrence.

“That sense of having neighbors looking in on you is nice,” she said. “If you don’t show up or they don’t see you, someone will contact you.”

She noted that Delmar Place offers activities such as exercise classes, games and music programs, which help build a sense of community. Trudy said she can check out audio books when the Lawrence Public Library stops by. She recently baked cookies and shared them with neighbors.

Because of vision problems, she uses available transportation options, including Senior Wheels through the Douglas County Senior Resource Center and the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority-owned and operated bus service.

Trudy also appreciates the accessibility features, such as having the choice between stairs or an elevator, indoor space to exercise during bad weather and a no-step entry into the building. 

“My family is relieved to know that I’m living in a safe environment,” she said.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in November 2025 to celebrate the opening of Delmar Place. The project cost $4.7 million, and it was funded through a $3 million federal American Rescue Plan Act grant awarded by the Douglas County Commission, $150,000 awarded by the City of Lawrence’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and nearly $1.7 million from Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority reserve funds.