CUOMO ANNOUNCES IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR RESIDENTS OF SPENCER, SD

SPENCER, SD - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced that the Clinton Administration is providing Spencer tornado survivors immediate access to HUD-assisted housing within a 50 mile radius of the devastated community.

"The residents of Spencer are in the thoughts and prayers of all Americans," Cuomo said. "We are glad that we can help some Spencer families establish new residences - an important first step to recovery. We have expedited this process to ensure that Spencer's citizens have a safe and decent place to stay."

According to Cuomo, families from Spencer will be allowed to move into vacant HUD-assisted housing on a priority basis with a minimum $25.00 security deposit and $25.00 monthly rent until at least October 1, 1998. Working with the Housing Authorities of Mitchell and Madison, the federal agency has agreed to give priority to survivors for housing certificates and vouchers. These certificates and vouchers will allow families to seek available housing and receive assistance with their monthly rent.

Senator Tom Daschle said, "Earlier this week I spoke with Secretary Cuomo, and told him about the tremendous damage and loss in Spencer. I am very pleased that the Secretary shares my concern for the residents of Spencer and is giving them every possible form of available assistance and immediate attention as they begin to rebuild their lives."

Governor Bill Janklow thanked Senator Daschle and Secretary Cuomo for their leadership, commitment, and partnership with the State and the citizens of Spencer. "Everyone needs a place to call home. This will help give the families of Spencer a chance to have a home to go to for awhile-a place where they can plan for their future," Governor Janklow said.

Secretary Cuomo said "HUD is proud to partner with the South Dakota Congressional Delegation, Governor Janklow, and the citizens of Spencer in providing immediate housing. We will continue to work together on helping families start anew."

There are more than 75 vacant, available public and HUD-assisted housing units available within a 50 mile radius of Spencer. The Department, which is working closely with the South Dakota Housing Development Authority, has already begun placing families from Spencer in available units in the surrounding communities.

Citizens with questions about housing availability should contact Mary Priebe, South Dakota Housing Development Authority, at (605)246-9030.