News Release

HUD AWARDS OVER $2 MILLION TO CONVERT TRENT CENTER IN TRENTON INTO ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
Nationwide, more than $643 Million Awarded to Non-profit Groups

NEWARK – Elderly Americans in Trenton will soon find themselves living in upgraded apartments equipped to meet their physical needs thanks to a $2,271,953 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD today announced the grant to continue the conversion of elderly housing units in the Trent Center. The grant will fund the renovation of 17 existing elderly housing units into 17 fully accessible apartments for the frail elderly. Common area renovations will also be accomplished. The monies are part of $22.2 million awarded around the nation to help the elderly gain greater self-sufficiency.

“These grants will allow the elderly and those with disabilities an opportunity to stay in their homes and not have to move from their familiar surroundings as they become older and need supportive services,” said HUD Deputy Secretary Roy Bernardi.

HUD’s Assisted Living Conversion Program grants help convert existing multifamily units into assisted living facilities.

Properties in the following states are receiving Assisted Living Conversion Program grants:

Assisted living facilities are designed to accommodate low-income elderly and persons with disabilities who can live independently but need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL), such as assistance with eating, bathing, grooming, dressing and home management activities. These affordable facilities provide support services such as personal care, transportation, meals, and housekeeping.

Since the funds awarded under the Assisted Living Conversion Program do not cover the costs of these services, the project owners must provide the service funds either directly or through a third party. The projects receiving funding today will be providing services through a number of sources including their State Home Health Care programs, State Assisted Living Services funds, Congregate Housing Services Program funds, Service Coordinator funds and private grants and donations.

The grants were awarded on a competitive basis. During the review process, items taken into consideration included: the extent to which the conversion is needed by the persons that the project is intended to serve; the quality and effectiveness of the proposal in addressing the proposed conversion including the meals and supportive services which the project intends to provide; the ability of the project owner to secure other community resources which can be combined with the grant to achieve the program's purposes; as well as the capacity of the project owner to carry out the conversion in a timely and effective manner.

The owners are responsible for ensuring that converted units meet all local standards, codes and regulations governing assisted living facilities. The projects must also be licensed and regulated by the appropriate governing body.

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• NOTE: Individual grant summaries are available on the HUD website.

HUD is the nation’s housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.