UTAH RECEIVES A $67,924 HUD GRANT TO HELP THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CONTINUE TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AT HOME

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez today announced $30.9 million in service coordinator grants to provide more than 23,000 low-income elderly and residents with disabilities in federally supported housing with assistance to identify and receive health care, meals and other critical support services.

"HUD is helping older Americans and those with disabilities get the housing they need and these grants will help provide the services that will enable them to remain in their homes, connected to their communities and friends," said Secretary Martinez.

"Of those grants," HUD Region VIII Director John Carson explains, "Utah receives a $67,924 grant for a project in Toole, Utah."

"The grants are directed to owners of private 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," said Regional Director Carson.

Utah's recipient of the HUD grant announced today is:

    Canyon Cove Housing for 22 units in Toole, Utah----$67,924

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.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities, creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans, 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.

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