In recognition of the changing landscape of senior care, the board of trustees of the Masonic Homes of California has announced that entry into the Masonic Homes of California’s retirement communities will now be open to more members of our fraternal family, including Prince Hall Masons, than ever before. That includes, for the first time:

• Parents and parents-in-law of California Masons and Prince Hall Masons
• Master Masons with less than five years’ membership in a California lodge
• Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft Masons in a California lodge

In many cases, entry into the Masonic Homes of California’s retirement communities in Union City and Covina is now available to these groups on an “assignment-of-assets” contract, meaning the cost is partially underwritten through Masonic relief dollars. In other cases, services will be available on a “fee-for-service” contract.

The result is that more California Masons and their families will have access to the expert care and services that have made the Masonic Homes of California the “jewel in the crown of California Masonry” for more than a century.

This is an exciting new change, and one we want our members to take advantage of. But we understand that it can be tricky to understand, so we’ve put together a simple FAQ below to answer some common questions.

If your question isn’t addressed here, or if you have any other questions about eligibility or services, call the Masonic Assistance line at 888-466-3642.

Who is eligible for entry to the Masonic Homes of California?

The Masonic Homes are licensed residential communities for seniors. They are open to all California Masons age 60 and up, as well as their spouse, widow, parents, and parents-in-law. 

Previously, eligibility had been limited to Master Masons 60+ of more than five years’ membership in a California lodge, as well as their wife or widow, who had been in good standing for the past five consecutive years.

What are the financial options for entry into the Masonic Homes?

Applicants to the Masonic Homes’ retirement communities may apply for either a “Partial Assignment of Assets” or a “Fee-for-Service” contract. Under the partial assignment of assets model, 75 percent of the applicants’ income and assets are assigned to the Masonic Homes, and the applicant keeps 25 percent, in exchange for their room and care for the rest of their life. There is no minimum asset requirement, meaning no applicant will be turned away for lack of funds. 

Under a fee-for-service contract, applicants pay monthly for their rent and care. Payment options vary depending on the level of care required. Applicants for a fee-for-service contract must meet certain minimum income and asset requirements. More information about pricing and eligibility can be found here.

Who is eligible for a partial assignment of assets versus a fee-for-service contract?

As a form of Masonic relief, entry into the Masonic Homes’ retirement communities on an assignment-of-assets contracts is available to California Masons who have been in good standing for five or more years, as well as their spouse, widow, parents, and parents-in-law.

The fee-for-service model is available to all California Masons, as well as their spouse, widow, parents, and parents-in-law. Now, for the first time, that includes Master Masons with less than five years’ service, Entered Apprentices, and Fellow Crafts.

What other MHC services are available?

In addition to the retirement communities in Union City and Covina, the Masonic Homes of California offers several other care programs. Those include:

• The Pavilion at the Masonic Homes: Our brand-new residence offering assisted living and memory care.
• The Covina Health Center: Opening in 2024, the new Covina Health Center offers long- and short-term skilled nursing and memory care.
• Masonic Outreach Services: A wide suite of programs geared for Masons and fraternal family to access the care they need close to home. Through Masonic Senior Outreach Services (MSOS) and Masonic Family Outreach Services (MFOS), the Masonic Assistance team provides information and consultation services to link users with in-home care, senior housing, public benefits, Medicare and MediCal/Medicaid resources, veterans’ benefits, and transportation services; as well as ongoing support through care managers; and in some cases, needs-based financial assistance.
• The Masonic Center for Youth and Families: MCYAF provides mental health services including therapy, counseling, and educational assessments for children, teens, adults, families, and seniors.
• Shared Housing in Covina: A new option for affordable senior living, available to those 62 and up and able to live independently. Through Shared Housing, residents have a private bedroom and bathroom and communal access to a kitchen and other shared amenities.

Why is eligibility being expanded now?

Particularly when it comes to senior care, the board of trustees understands that the rising cost of health care, housing, and case management make caring for an aging loved one a challenge. That’s why the Masonic Homes is now bringing its world-class senior services to more fraternal family members than ever before and expanding access to Masonic relief to more people than ever.

As the overall composition of the fraternity has trended younger, the needs of our members have greatly changed. In the case of expanding eligibility to parents and parents-in-law of Masons, we recognize that this younger group of members may not be ready to move into the Masonic Homes themselves but are caring for aging parents who rely on them for help. By expanding to their parents and parents in law, we are providing relief for brothers and their families in a time of great need.

With added capacity at the Masonic Homes’ retirement communities, the board believes it can effectively serve Masons of all levels, including those who have less than five years’ tenure. Masons of less than five years (who are over 60) can now apply to live at the Masonic Homes of California on a fee-for-service basis, as can their spouse, widow, parents, and parents in law.

By updating these eligibility requirements, the board of trustees believes the Masonic Homes can serve more people throughout their lifetimes. For more than 125 years, the Masonic Homes have evolved to meet the needs of its members—and now is no different.

Is access to the Masonic Homes prioritized?

Priority is given first to California Masons of more than five years, plus their spouse, widow, and parents; followed by those with less than five years’ tenure.

How can I apply?

The best way is to call Masonic Assistance at 888-466-3642, visit the Masonic Assistance webpage, or email intake@mhcuc.org.