HUD ANNOUNCES NEARLY $14.8 MILLION TO PRESERVE RENTAL ASSISTANCE IN SENIOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
Funding to Trenton development will help prevent displacement of elderly tenants

NEWARK - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced $14.8 million to preserve affordable rental assistance for elderly tenants living in subsidized properties in six states, including New Jersey. This funding is provided through HUD's Senior Preservation Rental Assistance Contracts (SPRACs) and is targeted for properties in HUD's Section 202 "Supportive Housing for the Elderly" program where rental assistance may expire without this important preservation tool. The New Jersey senior development receiving assistance is the Trent Center East Apts. at 511-537 Greenwood Avenue in Trenton.

SPRACs are an important tool for preserving the nation's affordable multifamily properties. Funding will continue to support affordable rent for seniors living in more than 1,700 units located in 12 properties in six states. A list awardees is below.

The Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2010 authorizes HUD to provide SPRACs with 20-year terms to prevent displacement of elderly residents of certain projects assisted under HUD's Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program in the case of refinancing or recapitalization and to further preserve and maintain affordability of Section 202 Direct Loan projects. The purpose of SPRACs is to prevent displacement of income-eligible elderly residents of Section 202 Direct Loan properties with original interest rates of 6% or less in the case of financing changes.

The majority of the mortgages in this portfolio of properties will reach their respective maturity dates over the next ten years. HUD estimates that without interventions like SPRACs, maturing mortgages will signal the elimination of affordability protections for approximately 19,000 low- and very-low income seniors.

HUD staff will provide guidance for completing the funding process so the subsidy can flow to the unassisted seniors at the projects. HUD's Multifamily Hub/Program Center Staff will versee the execution of SPRAC contract and use agreement; will close any FHA financing; and will perform ongoing contract administration and servicing/monitoring of projects.

###

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 at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on Twitter at @HUDnews or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.

Preservation Rental Assistance Contract Awards

* Final # of units to be supported will be determined when rent contracts are executed.