Pilgrim Place is a vibrant residential senior community in Claremont, California. Founded in 1915, Pilgrim Place originally served as “home” for Christian missionaries on furlough and, later, other Christian workers. The mission of Pilgrim Place has expanded to provide quality housing and services for persons who have served in careers in religious, charitable, and non-profit humanitarian organizations. Pilgrim Place welcomes applications for residency from people who wish to reside in a culturally diverse, theologically/intellectually stimulating, ecologically sensitive, personally enriching, and communally active environment, and who fulfill the eligibility requirements as described below.
For a hard copy of the following materials, please print the Application Information document.
ELIGIBILITY
Persons may apply after completing 10 years in full-time (or the equivalent) employment in religious, charitable, or non-profit humanitarian organizations. Examples include commissioned or ordained missionaries, ministers, theological seminary faculty, college professors of religion, denominational executives, YMCA/YWCA staff, community organizers, and peace and justice workers. Applicants submit a personal statement describing the purpose/mission of each of the religious, charitable, or non-profit humanitarian organizations in which they have been employed, and how their role within these organizations helped to fulfill the organizations’ purposes. Continuing the historic precedent established by Pilgrim Place and actualized in the lives of its residents, applicants whose work provided visionary leadership in aiding and assisting others, improving social conditions, increasing spiritual and religious engagement, and benefiting the community and world will be given preference. Before moving to Pilgrim Place, the applicant must have completed at least 15 years of full-time employment. Spouses/partners of applicants who meet this qualification are also eligible to apply for admission. A spouse/partner, even if now widowed or divorced, who shared a 15-year marriage/commitment during the service years of a qualified person, is also eligible to apply. Primary Applicants are required to move to Pilgrim Place between their 62nd and 78th birthdays. Pilgrim Place is open to all such qualified persons regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Qualified individuals wishing to reside at Pilgrim Place must submit an application, including an Application Form, resume, personal statement, and $250 application fee (per person). At least six references are required for each applicant, two being residents of Pilgrim Place, if possible. Pilgrim Place will send recommendation forms to persons listed on the application. As part of the application process, an on-campus visit is required, including an interview with members of the Admissions Advisory Group and Director of Admission. Visits are arranged once all application materials have been received. Applicants are invited to stay overnight as guests of Pilgrim Place. Upon completion of application and interview, the Admissions Advisory Group will review applications. Approved Applicants are granted “Preliminary Eligibility” and placed on the Housing List according to their desired year of entrance and priority points (see below).
If the Admissions Advisory Group does not recommend an applicant for Preliminary Eligibility, one-half of the application fee will be refunded. An applicant who has been refused admission by the Admissions Advisory Group cannot be reconsidered.
REQUEST AN APPLICATION PACKET
To request an Application Packet, complete the Application Request Form or contact Jennifer Tomes, Admissions Coordinator, at 909-603-5503 or jtomes@pilgrimplace.org or Gisele Tackoor, Director of Admission, at 909-399-5504 or gtackoor@pilgrimplace.org.
MAINTAINING CONTACT WITH PILGRIM PLACE
Approved Applicants are required to maintain annual contact with the Director of Admission to indicate continued interest in retirement at Pilgrim Place and to report any changes of address, health, marital status, employment, or retirement plans.
COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS
Persons who move into Pilgrim Place commit themselves to supporting the life of this intentional community through their active participation in programs and community meetings. Pilgrim Place residents value and engage in mutual support and assistance for one another. Residents initiate and implement numerous on- and off-campus programs throughout the year, and give of their talents and resources for the encouragement and strengthening of the entire community and its members. In addition, residents are encouraged to provide financial contributions to various aspects of the life of the community beyond their monthly fees. To foster a sense of community, residents participate in the Abernethy dining room program for the noon meal.
PRIORITY POINTS
At the time application is made, applicants state their desired year of entrance into Pilgrim Place. Approved Applicants are placed on the Housing List according to their desired year of entrance and number of priority points. (In the case of couples/partners in which both members are eligible for admission, only the Primary Applicant’s points will be considered.) The quantitative point evaluation system provides the Administration a guideline for determining housing offers in a particular calendar year. Depending on housing availability, applicants will be offered residency. Due to the limited number of residences, applicants are not guaranteed housing.
The following point system is utilized:
- Years of Service - 15 years is the minimum. 5-25 points
16 through 20 years 5 points
21 through 25 years 10 points
26 through 30 years 15 points
31 through 35 years 20 points
36+ years 25 points
- Age at desired year of entrance. 2-10 points
Age 62-70 10 points
Age 71 8 points
Age 72 6 points
Age 73 4 points
Age 74 2 points
Age 75 and above 0 points
- Years served outside country of citizenship or on Native American Reservation. 3-20 points
1 point is earned for each year over 3 years, for a maximum of 20 points.
- Date Applied.
If application is made 10 years or more prior to desired year of entrance: 10 points
If application is made 5 years or more prior to desired year of entrance: 5 points
- Supplemental Points.
Housing availability is dependent on the movement of residents on campus. Approved Applicants who may not be offered housing in their desired year of entrance – due to no fault of their own – may lose ranking on the priority list as their names are merged with the following year’s list. If Approved Applicants meet all of the following criteria, ten supplemental points will be added each year an applicant is not offered housing. This is meant to compensate for possible loss of ranking. The criteria are as follows:
Applicant submitted application ten years prior to desired year of entrance,
Applicant has not refused any housing offer,
Applicant has not changed desired year of entrance more than one time,
Applicant has kept in contact with the Admissions office annually in writing, by phone, or with an annual, scheduled office visit.
ENTRANCE INTO PILGRIM PLACE
Entrance into Pilgrim Place is not guaranteed since it is dependent upon the number and type of residences that become available in a given year, the Approved Applicant’s priority points as compared with other applicants, and certain financial factors.
One year prior to desired year of entrance into Pilgrim Place, Approved Applicants submit a confidential Financial Information Form provided by Pilgrim Place. Any major transfer of money, property, securities or other assets - gifted or placed in trust after date of application - should be included in the assets summary portion of the form. Approved Applicants must be eligible for Social Security and Medicare.
Approximately six months prior to desired year of entrance, Approved Applicants submit a Medical Information Form and Addendum. This form is composed of two parts: the first part completed by the applicant and the second part completed by applicant’s physician who then returns it to the Director of Admission. The information is reviewed by the Vice President of Health Services and a consulting physician. Final decision of occupancy is conditional based on the applicant’s health and ability to live within the community.
Approximately six months prior to desired year of entrance, Approved Applicants submit a Housing Preference Form, indicating their housing preferences.
When offered housing on campus, an Approved Applicant agrees to all policies governing residency at Pilgrim Place, including submitting up-dated financial and medical information, signing a Care and Residence Agreement, and paying an entrance fee. At the time a residence is offered, a payment equivalent of one months’ rent and 10% of the entrance fee is required to hold the residence. The Monthly Fee (inclusive of rent, residential fee, and dining fee) will commence when the residence is ready for occupancy. The Housing Offer Process document and web page provides additional information on this process.
CONTINUING CARE AND RESIDENCE AGREEMENT
Pilgrim Place is licensed with the State of California as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). New residents sign a Continuing Care and Residence Agreement upon entering Pilgrim Place. This Agreement designates the roles and responsibilities of both Pilgrim Place and the resident(s). Residents also receive a Resident Handbook providing an overview of policies.
ENTRANCE FEES AND MONTHLY FEES
New residents pay a one-time Entrance Fee based on the square footage and amenities of their selected residence. Residents may choose from two options: either a Non-refundable Entrance Fee (a one-time non-refundable fee based on square footage and amenities of the residence) or a Deferred Repayment Entrance Fee (a one-time fee based on a higher rate per square foot and amenities of the residence with 90% payable to one’s estate upon reoccupancy of the unit).
For households without sufficient assets to pay an Entrance Fee, a third entrance option may be available. Each year up to three households may be eligible to enter Pilgrim Place without an entrance fee but with a larger Monthly Fee. This option will be limited to residences under 1,000 square feet. Eligibility for this option will be determined by information provided in the confidential financial information form and the Pilgrim Place President/CEO and Vice President/CFO.
Residents pay a Monthly Fee which is inclusive of rent, dining service fee, and residential fee.
This two-page document outlines Entrance and Monthly Fees for 2012.
RESIDENTS’ HEALTH AND SUPPORT PROGRAM
Residents who may require financial support for Monthly Fees may apply to the Residents’ Health and Support Program (RHSP) for assistance. Starting in 2008, to request RHSP, the maximum monthly income for a couple residing in residential living is $3,300, and for a single person is $2,100; the maximum asset ceiling for a couple residing in residential living is $40,000, and for a single person is $20,000. Persons who wish to be considered for financial support for Monthly Fees may submit a written request to the Pilgrim Place President/CEO.
LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL MEDICAL INSURANCE
All new residents who are not covered by long term care and/or supplemental medical insurance are encouraged to apply for coverage. By providing daily benefits for stays in the Health Services Center (skilled nursing) or Pitzer Lodge (assisted living), such insurance may be very cost effective. Persons interested in receiving information about long-term care insurance may contact the Vice President/CFO.
RENOVATIONS
In addition to basic housing preparations, residents who wish to make significant changes or renovations to their chosen residence will work with Buildings and Grounds to determine feasibility, and to arrange for architects and contractors to do the work. A significant down payment is required prior to commencing work. Funds for renovation are separate from the Entrance Fee and will not be deducted from the Entrance Fee.
INTERNAL MOVES
Housing accommodations vary and internal moves may be requested after a resident has resided in the first assigned unit for at least one year. Persons interested in making an internal move may contact the Director of Pitzer Lodge and Resident Transitions and follow the process as described in the internal move policy. In the event of a change in physical or mental condition of resident which, in the opinion of Pilgrim Place, would make continued residency in certain living accommodations inadvisable, Pilgrim Place may require a move to other housing within Pilgrim Place.
VISITORS
Only Approved Applicants can be considered residents of Pilgrim Place. Parents, children, or other guests may visit, but not live, on campus. Normally, visits should not exceed one month. Residents may reserve Guest Rooms at Porter Hall to accommodate friends and family who visit.
GENERAL POLICIES
Residences are equipped with a refrigerator with icemaker, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and washer/dryer as appropriate for each housing unit. Window coverings are provided. Normally only one car per unit is allowed on campus. Small pets (one dog, two cats, one dog and one cat, 30 lb maximum) is permitted in compliance with the Pilgrim Place Pet Policy. Please note that all policies and fees are subject to change.
CAMPUS VISITS AND TOURS
The best way to become familiar with Pilgrim Place is to visit our community, walk through the campus, and meet residents. Prospective applicants are encouraged to arrange a campus visit by contacting the Admissions Office at 909-399-5503 or 909-399-5504 or by completing a Campus Visit Form.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff members are ready to answer your questions and assist you in discerning whether Pilgrim Place is the best place for the next step in your personal journey. To receive more information about Pilgrim Place or arrange a campus tour, please contact:
* Gisele Tackoor, Director of Admission, at 909-399-5504 or gtackoor@pilgrimplace or
* Jennifer Tomes, Admissions Coordinator, at 909-399-5503 or jtomes@pilgrimplace.org.
Thank you for your interest in Pilgrim Place!
Updated 2/10/2011
