HUD AWARDS FUNDING TO HELP LOW-INCOME FAMILIES IN MAINE GET
JOB-TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT
Funding part of $47 million awarded nationwide

Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that two non-profit organizations in
Maine are receiving funding to produce affordable housing units for people with disabilities. This funding is part of $121.3 million in housing assistance announced nationwide. (A list of grant recipients in Maine and descriptions
of the projects is attached.)

"At HUD, we are committed to making sure people with disabilities have opportunities to live in decent, safe and affordable homes," said Taylor Caswell, HUD regional director. "The grants that we awarded today will certainly help
in achieving that goal."

The grants are awarded under HUD's Section 811 program, which provides housing for households with one or more very low-income individuals, at least one of whom is at least 18 years old and has a disability, such as a physical or developmental disability or chronic mental illness. Residents will pay 30 percent of their adjusted income for rent and the federal government will pay the rest.

The term "person with disabilities" also includes two or more people with disabilities living together, and one or more persons with disabilities living with one or more live-in attendants. The program allows persons with disabilities to
live independently in their communities by increasing the supply of rental housing with the availability of supportive services.

To be classified as "very low-income," a household income cannot exceed 50 percent of the area median income. However, most households that receive Section 811 assistance have an income less than 30 percent of the area median. Generally, this means that a one-person household will have an annual income of about $12,550.

• Capital advances. This is money that covers the cost of developing the housing. It does not need to be
  repaid as long as the housing is available for at least 40 years for occupancy by very low-income people
  with disabilities.
  
  
• Project rental assistance. This is money that goes to each non-profit group to cover the difference
  between the residents' contributions toward rent and the cost of operating the project.

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, and 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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Project Location: Belfast, ME
Non-Profit Sponsor: Group Home Foundation, Inc.
Capital Advance: $644,200
Three-year rental subsidy: $55,500
Number of units: 5
Project Description: Group Home Foundation plans to help very low-income persons with disabilities by
constructing a 5-person independent living facility in Belfast, Maine. GHF provides jobs for more than 160 people
with 75% of the direct labor performed by people with disabilities. For the past 16 years, Belfast has contracted
with GHF to staff and manage the City of Belfast Recycling Center, which includes the marketing of recycled materials. GHF also created Belfast Industries to serve more than 50 people by offering work, community and
personal life skills training.

Project Location: Lewiston, ME
Non-Profit Sponsor: John F. Murphy Homes, Inc.
Capital Advance: $773,000
Three-year rental subsidy: $55,500
Number of units: 6
Project Description: John F. Murphy Homes, Inc. has a long history of providing housing and services to very low-income individuals with disabilities in the Lewiston/Auburn, Maine area. The proposed 5-person independent living facility, to be located in Lewiston, Maine, will include a unit for the resident manager. The project will be geared towards individuals who are transitioning from living at home with parents or guardians. Job and personal skills
training will be provided through various programs including the Life Center program.