The Santa Clara Methodist Retirement Foundation, Inc. was founded by a social action group of the Santa Clara United Methodist Church in 1965 in order to provide affordable housing and services for low income seniors. Although not affiliated with the Methodist Church, the Foundation’s name signifies its historical beginning.
The Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary of incorporation in 2015 and 50 years of providing affordable housing in 2023. Liberty Tower, an eleven-story high-rise, was constructed on the former Methodist Church site in Santa Clara and was opened to residents in 1973. Five miles to the south in Campbell, a second twelve-story high-rise facility, Wesley Manor, was opened in 1979 to provide additional housing for seniors and for the physically disabled. At that time, the Board of Directors was increased to include representatives from the First United Methodist Church of Campbell, as well as from the community at large.
Liberty Tower, located in the “old quad” area of Santa Clara and Wesley Manor, situated within walking distance from downtown Campbell, are federally funded through a property-based Section 8 program by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Residents can create their own special home in the Liberty Tower unfurnished studio and one-bedroom apartments, and the Wesley Manor unfurnished one-bedroom apartments and modified one-bedroom apartments for persons with physical disabilities.
For over 50 years the Foundation has provided safe, affordable housing for seniors and persons with disabilities under the auspices of the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. A dedicated Board of Directors consisting volunteer members and a professional and caring staff work together to create homelike communities at Liberty Tower and Wesley Manor that promote the quality, dignity and enjoyment of communal living. Liberty Tower and Wesley Manor are located in World Health Organization certified Age-friendly cities. These cities foster healthy and active ageing and enable older people to: age safely in a place that is right for them; be free from poverty; continue to develop personally; and to contribute to their communities while retaining autonomy, health and dignity.
Over 280 residents from diverse backgrounds enrich the tapestry of our housing experience. With activities and opportunities to interact with one another, individuals can develop long-lasting friendships and benefit from an active social environment.
