The non-profit Caritas Communities Inc, has proposed the complete renovation of the currently vacant St. Peter’s Convent into 32 self-contained rental studio units.

“As many of us know it is nearly impossible for people working in the service industries in our city to rent an apartment in Dorchester,” says Rev. Jack Ahern, pastor of St Peter’s. “These apartments will make it possible for those working in the area to live in the area. The sale and redevelopment of the convent will also make it possible for St. Peter’s Parish to set up an endowment to maintain its presence on Bowdoin Street.”

The BRA will host a public meeting next Wednesday, July 13 at 6:30 pm at St. Peter’s Teen center, 276 Bowdoin Street, and Father Ahern is asking for a show of public support for the plan. Persons can appear in person next Wednesday evening, or send written comment by Friday, July 8 to the BRA, Lance.Campbell.bra@cityofboston.gov; to Councillor Maureen Feeney through her liaison, Tierney.Flaherty@cityofboston.gov; or to the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, Flavio.Diavega@cityofboston.gov

A leader in providing single room occupancy (SRO) housing, Caritas owns and manages 28 houses, providing permanent affordable housing for more than 750 men and women in Greater Boston, including in Dorchester, on Beale and Sydney streets and two on Centre Street.

This proposal is deserving of community support. It’s a clear win for the parish, for the Meeting House Hill neighborhood, and especially for the 32 individuals who will make their homes there.