HUD AWARDS $1.5 MILLION TO CONVERT EXISTING MULTIFAMILY PROJECT IN SYRACUSE INTO ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

NEW YORK - Elderly Americans in Syracuse will soon find themselves living in upgraded apartments equipped to
meet their physical needs thanks to two grants totaling almost $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development. HUD today announced the grants to help convert 17 existing units in The Bernadine Apartments into fully accessible units for the frail elderly.

"These grants will provide an affordable option to nursing home placement for elderly persons," said HUD Regional Director Sean Moss. "They will allow the elderly an opportunity to age in place and not have to move from their familiar surroundings as they become older and need supportive services."

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

Since the funds awarded under the Assisted Living Conversion Program does not cover the costs of these services, the project owners must provide the service funds either directly or through a third party. The projects receiving funding today will be providing services through a number of sources including their State Home Health Care
programs, State Assisted Living Services funds, Congregate Housing Services Program funds, Service Coordinator funds and private grants and donations.

The grants were awarded on a competitive basis. During the review process, items taken into consideration
included: 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; as well as the capacity of the project owner to carry out the conversion in a timely and effective manner.

The owners are responsible for ensuring that converted units meet all local standards, codes and regulations governing assisted living facilities. The projects must also be licensed and regulated by the appropriate governing body.

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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