- Why should I consider retirement at Pilgrim Place?
- Who can apply to Pilgrim Place?
- When can I apply?
- Is there an application fee?
- I will be ready to retire at the end of this year. Will there be a unit available for me then?
- I want to retire in several years. Can I place my name on the Housing List for a future year?
- What is the campus and surrounding area like?
- What kind of housing do you offer?
- Would I own my home/apartment or rent?
- In addition to rent, are there other monthly fees?
- Can I continue to work even after I have retired to Pilgrim Place?
- Are there things to do at Pilgrim Place?
- How can I arrange a campus visit?
Q. Why should I consider retirement at Pilgrim Place?
A. Pilgrim Place offers a multi-level residential retirement community for persons who have been called to careers in Christian service. The community provides an intellectually-stimulating and spiritually-fulfilling environment in which residents continue to learn, grow, and serve others. Pilgrim Place is the ideal place for persons who want to live in a richly diverse and actively involved Christian community.
Q. Who can apply to Pilgrim Place?
A. Before moving to Pilgrim Place, the applicant must have completed at least 15 years in full-time (or the equivalent) Christian service in salaried professional positions in churches or institutions that are recognized by the Admissions Advisory Group as Christian and ecumenical in orientation. Examples include commissioned or ordained missionaries, ministers, community organizers, seminary faculty, college professors of religion, denominational executives, YMCA/YWCA professional staff, and other Christian workers. A spouse/partner who has shared a 15-year marriage/commitment during the service years of a qualified person is also eligible for admission. Pilgrim Place is open to all such qualified persons regardless of gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, or ancestry.
Applicants must be independently mobile, in sound physical and emotional health when entering, and be able to live independently. New residents are encouraged to move to Pilgrim Place between their 62nd and 78th birthdays in order to fully participate in the life of the community.
Q. When can I apply?
A. Persons must have completed ten years of full-time (or the equivalency) paid Christian service before applying. Prospective residents are encouraged to apply early in their professional career; even five, ten, or more years prior to their desired year of entrance into Pilgrim Place.
Q. Is there an application fee?
A. Yes. The non-refundable application fee is $250 per person, $500 per couple.
Q. How do I apply to become a resident at Pilgrim Place?
A. Please see the Instructions and Policies page for detailed information about the application process and policies regarding residency.
Q. I will be ready to retire at the end of this year. Will there be a unit available for me then?
A. Prospective residents must complete an application and be granted “Approved Applicant” status prior to being placed on the Housing List. Housing opportunities are offered on the basis of a priority point system using several criteria (type of Christian employment; years of service; denomination, applying early, etc). Housing is offered based on this priority point system. Persons wanting to be considered for immediate housing opportunities should contact the Admissions Office, complete the application form, designate six references, and arrange a campus visit.
Q. I want to retire in several years. Can I place my name on the Housing List for a future year?A. Yes! On your application, you will designate your desired year of entrance to Pilgrim Place. Your name will be placed on that year’s Housing List according to the number of points you have accumulated. (See above) When housing becomes available, it is offered to persons in the order in which they are placed on that year’s Housing List.
Q. What is the campus and surrounding area like?
A. Pilgrim Place is a 32-acre, lushly landscaped campus located in the heart of Claremont, CA. The campus features individual homes and apartments on tree-lined streets. Residents enjoy a spacious dining hall, library, reading room, a full-equipped arts studio, aquatic center, exercise room, meeting rooms, and guest rooms.
The Pilgrim Place campus is within walking distance of the Claremont Colleges, Claremont School of Theology, and the Claremont “Village,” a charming set of shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and movie theaters. The city of Claremont is nestled at the base of the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains, within a comfortable driving distance of beaches, hiking trails, and desert areas. Located just 40 miles from Los Angeles, Pilgrim Place residents enjoy the cultural benefits of this thriving, international city.
In July 2007, Money Magazine named Claremont as the 5th Best Small City in America!
Q. What kind of housing do you offer?
A. Free-standing homes, duplexes, and apartments are available within the active community of Pilgrim Place. Each unit is unique in design and floor plan, giving Pilgrim Place the feel of a residential neighborhood. In addition, Pilgrim Place features forty-two assisted living apartments and a skilled nursing facility on campus.
Q. Would I own my home/apartment or rent?
A. Pilgrim Place residents rent their living accommodations. Rent varies depending on the square footage and amenities. Currently, rent is calculated at approximately $1.30 per square foot. (Rates are for 2008. Prices are subject to change.)
Q. In addition to rent, are there other monthly fees?
A. Yes, residents pay a monthly Residential Fee of $304 per person and Dining Hall Services Fee of $257 per person. (Rates are for 2008. Prices are subject to change.)
Q. Can I continue to work even after I have retired to Pilgrim Place?
A. Many residents continue part-time ministry in the immediate community and to some degree in service opportunities beyond the campus. Because Pilgrim place is an active community and the involvement of the residents is important, full-time employment and frequent absences for long periods are discouraged.
Q. Are there things to do at Pilgrim Place?
A. Yes! With over 70 organizations, study groups, and clubs, you are sure to find friends and activities that you enjoy! Residents participate in wide variety of formal and informal programs, such as reading circles, worship services, cycling groups, arts and craft guilds, movie nights, tutoring programs, musical ensembles, guest lectures, activist organizations, and off-campus tours.
Q. How can I arrange a campus visit?
A. Contact the Admissions Office to schedule a campus visit and tour. Prospective applicants are encouraged to come during the week and stay several hours. Generally, a campus visit includes a personal meeting with the Director of Admission, a campus tour, and lunch in the Dining Hall with current residents.
Prospective applicants may also inquire about the availability of on-campus guest rooms. Staying overnight enables visitors to reside in the heart of the Pilgrim Place community, participate in activities, and engage in conversation with current residents. If desired, guests may choose to stay in one of the several local hotels. Please see the Accommodations page for information about local airports, ground transportation, and hotels.
The Admissions Office is open weekdays, 8:30-4:30. To schedule a campus visit, contact Janet Cromwell, Director of Admission, at 909-399-5504 or jcromwell@pilgrimplace.org, or by completing a Visit Form. While drop-in visits are welcome, persons are encouraged to arrange a campus visit at least one week in advance or more.
(Rev 1/24/08)
