Secretary Martinez yesterday announced some $30.9 million in service coordinator grants to help an estimated 23,000 low-income elderly and residents with disabilities in federally supported housing to receive health care, meals and other critical support services.

The Department awarded the grants to owners of private housing developments in 42 states and DC that receive money from HUD to house low-income individuals. The owners then hire or contract with service coordinators, who have backgrounds in providing social services to the frail elderly and people with disabilities.

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

To help meet their needs, the Department annually provides rental assistance to some 1.5 million elderly low-income households so that they may live in decent, safe and affordable homes.