OBAMA ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $3.9 MILLION TO PRODUCE MORE ASSISTED LIVING SENIOR HOUSING IN ARIZONA
Funding to convert existing multifamily projects to help elderly 'age in place'

WASHINGTON - Elderly Americans in Phoenix, Arizona will soon find themselves living in upgraded apartments
equipped to meet their physical needs because of a $3,929,367 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development. HUD today announced the grant to help convert Kivel Manor in Phoenix from an existing multifamily project into assisted living facility for the elderly.

The funding is provided through HUD's Assisted Living Conversion Program which provides grants for the physical conversion of eligible multifamily assisted housing projects or portions of projects to assisted living facilities.

"These grants will provide an affordable option to nursing homes, helping seniors to live independently," said HUD Regional Administrator Ophelia Basgal. "The funding we announce today will allow the elderly an opportunity to age
in place in familiar surroundings as they become older and require supportive services."

The funding will pay to convert 15 third-floor units to assisted living units and to upgrade 15 first-floor units for
code compliance for individuals with dementia. The funding also will pay for a "Wanderer's Garden" for residents with dementia. Residents will receive three meals a day, housekeeping services and 24-hour-a-day staffing.

Assisted living facilities are designed to accommodate low-income frail elderly persons and persons with disabilities who can live independently but need assistance with the activities of daily living such as help with eating, bathing, grooming, dressing and home management activities. These affordable facilities provide support services such as personal care, transportation, meals, and housekeeping.

The grants are awarded on a competitive basis. During the review process, HUD assesses several ranking factors including: 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; and the capacity of the project owner
to carry out the conversion in a timely and effective manner.

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.