May 19, 2026
Anonymous Donor Gives $7,000 to Bring Community Gardens to Albuquerque Communities
Gift Will Fund Outdoor Growing Spaces for AHEPA 501 Communities, Serving 150 Residents
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — (May 21, 2026) — AHEPA Senior Living announced today that AHEPA 501 Senior Apartments has received an anonymous gift of $7,000 to build community gardens for the 150 very low-income senior citizens residing there.
The community gardens will give residents shared outdoor spaces to grow plants, tend raised beds, and connect with neighbors — adding a meaningful dimension to daily life that extends well beyond gardening itself. Research consistently shows that access to green space and purposeful activity helps older adults reduce feelings of isolation, improve mental health, support physical mobility, and strengthen the social bonds essential to healthy aging.
For residents of AHEPA 501, all of whom live on fixed incomes and qualify under federal HUD income guidelines, the gardens represent something more: a community investment in their well-being, dignity, and belonging.
“This garden is going to change the feel of our community,” Mark Bullock (pictured first), Board of Directors President for AHEPA 501, Inc., said. “When residents have a reason to step outside, to tend something together, to share what they grow — that’s where friendships are made and where isolation fades. We are so grateful to our anonymous donor for believing in that vision and for making it possible for all three of our Albuquerque communities to share in this gift.”
“At AHEPA Senior Living, we know that affordable housing is the foundation — but community is what helps residents truly thrive,” Ike Gulas (pictured second), AHEPA Senior Living Chairman of the Board of Directors, said. “Gifts like this one remind us of what is possible when generous donors partner with mission-driven organizations. A community garden is not just a place to grow plants. It is a place to grow relationships, restore purpose, and support the whole health of our residents.”
AHEPA Senior Living welcomes foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors who share its commitment to housing stability, resident health, and dignified aging. Gifts to AHEPA communities support direct resident services — from safety upgrades like this one to health and wellness programming, service coordination, and quality-of-life enhancements that federal funding does not cover.
To explore partnership opportunities, contact Andrew Kaffes at akaffes@ahepaseniorliving.org or visit www.ahepaseniorliving.org.
About AHEPA 501 Phases I – III Senior Apartments
AHEPA 501 Senior Apartments is a three-community affordable independent living development, totaling 150 units, located in Albuquerque, N.M. The first phase of AHEPA 501 was built in 1997, expanding in 2000 with AHEPA 501-II and once again in 2007 with AHEPA 501-III. Each community is subsidized through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 202 program and serves low-income older adults aged 62 and older. AHEPA 501 is supported by AHEPA Tasso Chronis Chapter 501 of Albuquerque.
About AHEPA Senior Living
AHEPA Senior Living (operating name of AHEPA Affordable Housing Management Company, Inc. EIN: 35-1867058) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has provided affordable housing and quality aging services to older adults since 1980. Today, AHEPA Senior Living serves more than 5,000 residents across 93 communities in 19 states through affordable independent living, assisted living under the Hellenic Senior Living brand, and comprehensive service coordination. AHEPA Senior Living welcomes all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or faith, and is an Equal Housing Opportunity provider. Learn more at ahepaseniorliving.org.