BUSH ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $161,000 TO HELP THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN LAFAYETTE CONTINUE TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AT HOME

FORT WORTH - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced a $161,147 service coordinator grant to help low-income elderly and residents with disabilities in federally supported housing in
Lafayette with assistance to identify and receive health care, meals and other critical support services.

"HUD is already helping older Americans and those with disabilities get the housing they need by providing supportive housing grants. Now these additional grants will help coordinate the services that will enable them to remain in their homes, connected to their communities and friends," said HUD SW Regional Director A. Cynthia Leon.

The Service Coordinator Program provides funding for the employment of Service Coordinators in insured and
assisted housing developments that are designed for the elderly and persons with disabilities. A service coordinator
is a social service staff person hired or contracted by the development's owner or management company. The coordinator is responsible for assuring that elderly residents, especially those who are frail or at risk, and those
non-elderly residents with disabilities are linked to the specific supportive services they need to continue living independently in that development.

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.

Each year, HUD provides rental assistance to approximately 1.5 million elderly low-income households so that they may live in decent, safe and affordable homes.

The grant was awarded to Aimco for the Moss Gardens complex at 411 Sonny St. in Lafayette , with 114 units. It
was the only Service Coordinator Grant awarded in the State of Louisiana this year.

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 as
well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

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