News Release

BUSH ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $22.2 MILLION IN GRANTS TO CONVERT MULTIFAMILY PROJECTS INTO ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
Deputy Secretary Bernardi and County Executive Pirro announce nearly $3.8 million for New York

WASHINGTON - Americans in seven states will soon find themselves living in upgraded apartments equipped to meet their physical needs thanks to more than $22.2 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  HUD Deputy Secretary Roy Bernardi today joined Onondaga County Executive Nicholas J. Pirro and representatives from the office of Congressman Jim Walsh to make the announcement at Bernardine Apartments in Syracuse, New York.

HUD is awarding almost $3.8 million to help convert units in Bernardine Apartments into assisted living facilities.

"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 Deputy Secretary Bernardi. 

Onondaga County Executive Nicholas J. Pirro said, "We appreciate HUD's recognition of the need for assisted living in Onondaga County, and the ability to convert existing housing for that purpose allows many of our seniors to remain in their homes even when additional services are needed."

"I am delighted that HUD has responded so generously to our request for FY 2007 Assisted Living Conversion funding," said Walsh.  "This installment brings the total federal tally to $9.7 million for this important project, which will provide Central New York seniors with an additional quality affordable assisted living option in our community."

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

States with properties 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.