Senior Housing Unit Gets National Award

Burns Manor, an affordable-housing complex for seniors and disabled persons, has received a national award recognizing the facility as one of the country’s finest.

After receiving the Affordable Housing Management Assn.’s regional “Community of Quality” award earlier this year, the 89-resident Burns Manor was named last week as the best facility nationwide for elderly and disabled residents, AHMA officials said.

Burns Manor’s outstanding physical condition, its excellent relationship with the community and the high quality of life enjoyed by its residents were cited as factors in the AHMA’s decision.

Dottie Wheeler, community administrator at Burns Manor, said the award “is a really good pat on the back. The employees here care about the residents and the residents are concerned about each other. They are a great group of people.”

Established in 1984, Burns Manor, at 8155 Foothill Blvd. in Sunland, has a two-year waiting list for those seeking to move into one of its 82 units, seven of which are specially designed for disabled residents.

Wheeler said the complex’s residents, who range in age from 62 to 99, are actively involved in community service projects.

“This award really belongs to the whole community here for their volunteerism,” she said.

Among other projects, Burns Manor residents participate in food drives and rummage sales and have started a program called “Magic Hats for Kids,” in which they knit hats and donate them to children’s hospitals throughout the country.

Burns Manor is managed by Volunteers of America National Housing Corp. and is subsidized with federal funding.

In recent years, managers have upgraded the facility by improving the landscaping, safety programs and health checks. They also have had sinks and cabinets lowered and doorways widened to better accommodate wheelchairs.