HUD AWARDS $32.7 MILLION TO HELP THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CONTINUE TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AT HOME

WASHINGTON - 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 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'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.