Local News Release

HUD AWARDS ENUMCLAW REGIONAL HOSPITAL OVER $2.3 MILLION FOR A NEW SUPPORTIVE HOUSING APARTMENT FOR THE ELDERLY IN BUCKLEY

SEATTLE–The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, announced today a capital advance of $2,042,700 to the Enumclaw Regional Hospital to build a 20-unit independent living project for the elderly in Buckley. An additional five-year rental subsidy of $318,500 is also a part of the overall grant. Residents will pay 30 percent of their adjusted income for rent and the federal government will pay the remainder from this subsidy.

The Enumclaw Regional Hospital will work with the proposed owner, White River Senior Housing, and the consultant Senior Services of Snohomish County, to construct the new building. The building will be constructed with a row/townhouse design. The 20 units will consist of 19 one-bedroom units for the residents and a two-bedroom unit for a resident manager.

The Enumclaw Regional Hospital grant, which is one of five 202 grants awarded in Washington, is part of $574.8 million competitively awarded nationally in HUD Section 202 grants. The other 202 grants in Washington are in Yakima, Vancouver, Spokane, and Kennewick. HUD's Section 202 grant program helps expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for the elderly. It provides very low-income elderly with options that allow them to live independently, but in an environment that provides support activities such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.

In addition to funding the construction and rehabilitation of projects to create apartments, HUD Section 202 grants will subsidize rents for five years so that residents will pay only 30 percent of their adjusted incomes as rent.

To be eligible for the assistance a household must be classified as "very low- income," which means an income less than 50 percent of the area median.

HUD provides two forms of Section 202 funds to non-profit groups:

Capital advances. This money covers the cost of developing the housing. It does not need to be repaid if the housing is available for occupancy by very low-income seniors for at least 40 years.

Project rental assistance. This money covers the difference between the resident's contribution toward rent and the cost of operating the project.

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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