HUD AWARDS $32.7 MILLION TO HELP THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CONTINUE TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AT HOME
ALABAMA GRANTEE RECEIVES $97,097

BIRMINGHAM - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced $32.7 million in Service Coordinator grants to provide more than 19,200 low-income frail elderly and residents with disabilities in federally supported housing with assistance to identify and receive health care, meals and other critical support services.
The funding announced included an award of $97,097 to Volunteers of America Southeast, Inc, to help frail, elderly residents of Oak Hill Apartments in Opp, Alabama connect with services that will help them to live more independent lives.

"The Obama Administration is helping older Americans and those with disabilities get the housing they need and the grants announced today give added assistance by helping to provide the services that will enable them to remain in their homes, living independently, connected to their communities and friends," said Donovan.

These grants are directed to owners of privately owned multifamily 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.

Projects in 40 states will receive the Service Coordinator grants. A state-by-state breakdown is attached to this release. Click here for a listing of individual grant recipients.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; 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.