Local News Release

BUSH ADMINISTRATION AWARDS ALMOST $1 MILLION TO HELP THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN NEW YORK STATE CONTINUE TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AT HOME

NEW YORK � The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced $974,588 in service coordinator grants to help New York low-income elderly and residents with disabilities in federally supported housing with assistance to identify and receive health care, meals and other critical support services. Multifamily developments in Albany, Rochester, Poughkeepsie, and New York City will receive these grants.

"HUD is already helping older Americans and those with disabilities get the housing they need by providing supportive housing grants. Now these additional grants will help coordinate the services that will enable them to remain in their homes, connected to their communities and friends," said HUD Regional Director Sean M. Moss.

The grants are directed to owners of private housing developments that receive money from HUD to house low-income individuals. The owners or their management companies then either hire or contract service coordinators with backgrounds in providing social services, especially to the frail elderly and people with disabilities, to assist their residents with special needs.

HUD notes that as the U.S. population ages and the number of older Americans grows, there will be an increased need for programs to help the elderly continue living independently in their homes.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 35 million people age 65 years or older in the U.S. in 2000, and it estimates that by 2050 that number will climb to 80 million.

Each year, HUD provides rental assistance to approximately 1.5 million elderly low-income households so that they may live in decent, safe and affordable homes.

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 as well as 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.

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