CUOMO ANNOUNCES $81.1 MILLION IN HOUSING ASSISTANCE TO GROUPS IN CALIFORNIA FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

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WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today awarded non-profit groups in California $81.1 million to create 792 apartments for poor senior citizens and people with disabilities, and to provide rental assistance subsidies for five years to people living in the apartments.

An estimated 990 people will live in the low-rent apartments in California. There will be about 853 senior citizens living in 682 apartments, and about 137 people with disabilities living in 110 apartments.

"Too many older Americans struggling to get by on fixed incomes and too many people with disabilities who may be unable to work just don't have the money to pay for rising housing costs," Cuomo said. "HUD helps these people get housing they desperately need. We keep them out of nursing homes where they don't belong and out of slum housing."

Cuomo made the announcement in a telephone news conference with Congressman George Miller.

"These grants are a blessing for senior citizens in California," Senator Barbara Boxer said. "This funding will help some of our most vulnerable citizens gain access to vital social services, afford adequate housing, and make ends meet at a time of rising housing costs."

"I am very pleased to see this type of effort to build affordable housing for low-income seniors in Rodeo," said Congressman Miller. "HUD's grant and county funds, together, will provide over $7 million for this project, which is a tremendous contribution to our community. Low-income seniors are among the most vulnerable members of our community and we are right to provide targeted housing assistance to them."

Cuomo said that the assistance is part of $792 million that HUD is awarding this week in affordable housing assistance for senior citizens and people with disabilities with very low incomes in 44 states and Puerto Rico.

The assistance around the country will create 8,943 subsidized apartments for an estimated 11,180 senior citizens and people with disabilities. Nationally, a total of 7,142 of the apartments will house about 8,930 senior citizens, and the remaining 1,801 apartments will house about 2,250 people with disabilities.

Most of the apartments funded by the grants will be newly constructed with the HUD funds, but some will be existing units that will be purchased, and rehabilitated when necessary.

Here is where the assistance will go in California under HUD's Section 202 Program to house the elderly and under the Section 811 Program to house people with disabilities:

Davis	$789,000
Diamond Springs	$1,380,200
Encinitas	$4,368,400
Fallbrook	$473,100
Granada Hills	$9,393,100
Half Moon Bay	$7,194,600
Lakeport	$1,076,100
Los Angeles	$10,500,700
Norco	$3,963,200
Pasadena	$2,176,800
Pinole	$2,258,500
Placerville	$4,298,000
Rodeo	$5,579,800
San Bernardino	$7,429,900
San Luis Obispo	$3,110,900
Santa Cruz	$1,336,400
Santa Maria	$907,200
South San Francisco	$4,496,400
Susanville	$1,026,000
Templeton	$2,766,700
Visalia	$6,067,400
Vista	$473,100
State Total	$81,065,500

Households must be classified as having very low incomes - defined as no more than 50 percent of area median income - to be eligible for the housing assistance. However, most people who live in housing funded by the Section 202 and Section 811 assistance have incomes of less than 30 percent of the area median. Median income varies by metropolitan area, but on a national basis 30 percent of median income works out to about $10,000 a year for one person and about $11,500 annually for a two-person household.

People living in the apartments will pay 30 percent of their income for rent, with HUD subsidies paying for the remainder.

The Section 202 Program helps expand the supply of affordable housing and also provides supportive services for the elderly. These services include cleaning, cooking and transportation to allow older Americans to live as independently as possible in their own apartments. Grant recipients receive capital advances to construct, rehabilitate or acquire housing. Repayment of the capital advance is not required as long as the housing remains available for at least 40 years and is occupied by very low-income people 62 years of age or older. Eligible grant recipients include private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives.

The Section 811 Program allows people with disabilities to live independently by increasing the supply of rental housing with supportive services and related facilities. As with the 202 Program, Section 811 grantees receive capital advances to construct, rehabilitate or acquire housing. Eligible applicants are very low-income people with a disability.

In addition to awarding the new grants, Cuomo issued a HUD report that said more than 7.4 million senior citizen households pay more than they can afford for housing - defined as more than 30 percent of their income. Others live in housing that is substandard or fails to accommodate their physical limitations or needs for assistance.

The report - titled Housing Our Elders: A Report Card on the Housing Conditions and Needs of Older Americans - identifies serious challenges to four key dimensions of elderly housing conditions in America: adequacy, affordability, accessibility and appropriateness.

The report finds that three out of four Americans approaching retirement age own their own homes, and that their housing affordability problems, though significant, are less frequent than among younger households. However, the report also finds that reduced income and increasing frailty of older Americans can place at risk years of financial, physical and emotional investment in homes and neighborhoods.

Some of the other key findings of the report include:

• Six percent of seniors (1.45 million households) live in housing that needs repair and/or rehabilitation.

• Approximately 1.7 million elderly households with low incomes are in urgent need of affordable housing because they spend more than half their incomes on housing.

• The majority of elderly renters pay more than 50 percent of their incomes for housing.

• Approximately 1.1 million elderly households report unmet needs for home modifications.

• There is a shortage of fully accessible housing in both the owner-occupied and in rental stock.

Cuomo said HUD's new budget for Fiscal Year 2000 addresses many of the issues addressed in the report and provides funding to continue and expand elderly housing programs. These programs are part of the new Housing Security Plan for Older Americans and will enable HUD to develop a broad range of housing options - a continuum of care -- to meet the changing housing needs of senior citizens. These options include:

• Continued funding of the Section 202 elderly housing program with $610 million for construction of housing.

• A $50 million increase in funds to hire service coordinators, who help senior citizens get services they need to continue living in their HUD-subsidized apartments.

• $50 million to convert existing HUD senior citizen housing to assisted living facilities for senior citizens who need a higher level of care. The legislation also allows seniors already receiving assistance through housing vouchers to use the vouchers in assisted living facilities for the first time, enabling many to avoid moving into more institutional and expensive nursing homes.

• An expansion of HUD's reverse mortgage program, which allows older Americans to borrow against the value of their homes, so they don't have to sell their homes to get needed cash.

HUD FUNDING FOR HOUSING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

*Note: To calculate the approximate number of residents who will live in the new housing, multiply the number of units by 1.25.

CALIFORNIA

Section 202 - Supportive Housing for the Elderly

Project Location: Davis, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: Rogue Valley Manor
Capital Advance: $659,000
Five-year rental subsidy: $130,000

Project description:

8 Project description: The funds will be used for construction of 8 additional units to be added to 60 units of Section 202 supportive housing already awarded to Rogue Valley Manor. These units will be part of the Davis Senior Housing and Care Continuum in the Evergreen Division of Davis. This retirement campus will also Include a 40-bed skilled nursing health center, 50 assisted living units, and 193 independent living units.

Project Location: Diamond Springs, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: Diamond Springs Corporation
Capital Advance: $1,140,200
Five-year rental subsidy: $240,000

Project description:

15 Project description: The funds will be used for construction of Phase ll adding 15 additional units to an existing 24- unit project for the elderly. The existing units have proven to accommodate the needs of the elderly population for over 15 years. The State of California has awarded El Dorado County with $879,340 in HOME Program Funds for the specific purpose of developing Phase ll. The County will lend the funds to the project in the form of a deferred 3% interest loan.

Project Location: Encinitas, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: Mercy Charities Housing California
Capital Advance: $3,687,900
Five-year rental subsidy: $680,500

Project description:

45 Project description: The proposed development located on 2.3 acres of the Encinitas Ranch in the city of Encinitas will be a 45-unit apartment complex consisting of 44 one-bedroom units and one two-bedroom manager's unit. The building will be a maximum of three stories with common spaces including a community room with a kitchen, a common dining facility and laundry facilities. The building will be designed to maximize residents' safety and independence while allowing for a range of support services for elderly persons as they age in place.

Project Location: Granada Hills, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: Broadway Towers, Inc.
Capital Advance: $7,825,600
Five-year rental subsidy: $1,567,500

Project description:

95 Project description: This development is designed to be a Phase II to Castlewood Terrace which is currently under construction. It will appear as one complex after construction is completed. The proposed housing will be best suited for persons who are capable of living in an independent setting with convenient supportive services. Through historical operations and continuous research, Broadway Towers, Inc. has developed a network of informational and supportive services to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of the intended seniors that will reside in their project.

Project Location: Half Moon Bay, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: The Lesley Foundation
Capital Advance: $5,915,100
Five-year rental subsidy: $1,279,500

Project description:

64 Project description: The funds being awarded for this proposal will be combined with significant contributions of local financial assistance to assure a feasible development. San Mateo County has committed local funds in excess of $600,000 to the proposed project. The site is located near important essential services, and will provide much needed affordable housing for the elderly in a comparatively underserved area of the San Francisco Bay Area. The proposal is being co-sponsored by the Mid-Peninsula Housing Coalition, a very experienced non-profit developer active in the area.

Project Location: Los Angeles, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: The Salvation Army
Capital Advance: $6,031,100
Five-year rental subsidy: $1,200,500

Project description:

73 Project description: The proposed project is a three-story wood frame building. The upper floors modulate to provide variety in the building shape and to provide site area for additional landscaping. The development consists of 72 one-bedroom apartment units and one two-bedroom unit for the on-site manager. The community room has direct views and access to the exterior, capitalizing on site amenities. Residents will have opportunities for gardening and viewing activities of the neighborhood. Taking advantage of the relatively flat site, all areas of the site and the building are accessible to persons with disabilities. The Salvation Army has developed a supportive service plan that will provide life-enhancing services for all residents.

Project Location: Norco, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: Southern California Presbyterian Homes
Capital Advance: $3,312,700
Five-year rental subsidy: $650,500

Project description:

40 Project description: The proposed project is Phase II to Clark Terrace; it will consist of 39 one-bedroom units and one two-bedroom unit for the resident manager arranged in a three-story building, with a central core. The "core area" provides space for all centralized functions, including the elevator. Additionally, the second floor will have a laundry room, TV viewing room and small library space. The first floor will provide a space for a receptionist and manager's office, a small lounge area, as well as the community meeting room. A pedestrian walk is provided directly to the senior community center located immediately north of the existing elderly housing facility. The sponsor will provide a support services coordination program for the residents.

Project Location: Placerville, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: ESKATON
Capital Advance: $3,579,000
Five-year rental subsidy: $719,000

Project description:

45 Project description: The funds will be used for construction of 45 additional units to be added to 55 existing units of Section 202 supportive housing for the elderly. In FY1997-1998, El Dorado County funded $395,000 toward senior services. These senior services will be available to the elderly residents of this project. The Placerville Soroptomist Club has donated $7,500 toward the purchase of a wheelchair accessible van to be available to the elderly residents of the proposed project. A transportation grant will provide the remainder of the funds.

Project Location: Rodeo, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: Ecumenical Assoc. for Housing
Capital Advance: $4,584,800
Five-year rental subsidy: $995,000

Project description:

50 Project description: The funds being awarded for this proposal will be combined with $900,000 from the Contra Costa County Redevelopment Agency and $372,750 in Community Development Block Grant funds and $700,000 in HOME funds committed by the County toward the successful development of the project. The proposed site is well located relative to all essential services required by the elderly.

Project Location: San Bernardino, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: Cooperative Services, Inc.
Capital Advance: $6,195,900
Five-year rental subsidy: $1,234,000

Project description:

75 Project description: The development consists of 74 one-bedroom apartment units and one two-bedroom unit, which is for the on-site manager. The community room has direct views and access to the exterior, capitalizing on the view of the mountains and site amenities. Residents will have opportunities for gardening and for viewing activities of the neighborhood. The proposed 75-unit project is designed to serve elderly persons who are able to live independently with little or no assistance. As residents age in place and their health needs change, a service coordinator will be utilized to implement the appropriate supportive services.

Project Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: American Baptist Homes of the West
Capital Advance: $2,593,900
Five-year rental subsidy: $517,000

Project description:

32 Project description: The proposed project is a two-story, elevator building. The development consists of 28 one-bedroom apartment units and four studio apartments. Unit entries from hallways have an offset which functions as a small "front porch", semi-public space, with room for a resident name sign. This design breaks the monotony of flush hallways and allows some identity for individual entries. The Sponsor is committed to providing its residents with more than just a place to live. They will establish a supportive services program that will provide a broad array of services.

Project Location: South San Francisco, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: BRIDGE Housing Corporation
Capital Advance: $3,704,400
Five-year rental subsidy: $792,000

Project description:

40 Project description: The funds being awarded for this proposal will be combined with nearly $2,000,000 in additional local funding from the City of South San Francisco, CA which will be used to fund the acquisition of the proposed site and other development costs not covered by the Section 202 Capital Advance. The proposed site is located near all important essential services for the elderly, including several senior centers in close proximity to the site.

Project Location: Susanville, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: ESKATON
Capital Advance: $866,000
Five-year rental subsidy: $160,000

Project description:

11 Project description: The funds will be used for construction of 11 very low income units for the elderly across the street from 72 existing very low income units for the elderly developed under previous Section 202 funding awards. The units will be arranged in such a way as to blend into the community. There is currently a waiting period of up to two years for senior housing in Susanville. These additional units will help in easing the shortage of available affordable housing in this rural community.

Project Location: Templeton, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: People's Self-Help Housing Corporation
Capital Advance: $2,283,200
Five-year rental subsidy: $483,500

Project description:

29 Project description: This development will have 29 one-bedroom units within seven one-story row type buildings. The buildings will be placed in a manner that provides easy visual orientation; the site plan is laid out to create spaces that encourage social interaction for the elderly residents. The Sponsor will administer an on-going and comprehensive case management/support services coordination program for the residents. The support services program will be specifically designed to meet the needs of the well-elderly who are capable of full independent living and elderly who are at risk of becoming frail and require assistance with activities of daily living.

Project Location: Visalia, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: Visalia Senior Housing, Inc.
Capital Advance: $4,869,400
Five-year rental subsidy: $1,198,000

Project description:

60 Project description: The funds being awarded for this proposal will be combined with significant financial assistance from the City of Visalia, CA. The City will be selling the proposed site to the project Sponsors, as well as providing $800,000 in local funds to assist in the development and construction of the proposed project. The proposed site is exceptionally well-located for all essential services needed by the elderly. The project is being co-sponsored by Christian Church Homes of Northern California and Visalia Senior Housing.

Section 811 - Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities

Project Location: Fallbrook, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: TERI
Capital Advance: $380,600
Five-year rental subsidy: $92,500

Project description:

6 Project description: The Sponsor has acquired a single-family home that will house six persons with developmental disabilities and one resident manager. The group home consists of four accessible bedrooms for residents and a one-bedroom unit for the resident manager. Adjacent to the resident manager's unit will be an office area where some supportive services will be offered. T.E.R.I. has 11 years of experience in providing services for persons with developmental disabilities and will provide an array of services based on the needs and desires of the residents.

Project Location: Lakeport, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: Rural Communities HDC
Capital Advance: $872,600
Five-year rental subsidy: $203,500

Project description:

10 Project description: This project will provide a critical need for supportive housing for persons with chronic mental illness in the Lake County area. The proposal has the full commitment of the social and mental health services providers in the Lake County area. The Sponsor is quite experienced in the development of affordable housing for low-income populations in rural areas such as this.

Project Location: Los Angeles, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: Project New Hope
Capital Advance: $2,183,900
Five-year rental subsidy: $415,500

Project description:

25 Project description: The proposed project will be a 25-unit independent living project for persons with physical disabilities, consisting of 18 one-bedroom units and 7 two-bedroom units. The design includes subterranean parking with a community room, laundry room and lobby facing Main Street at street level. The units will be located on the first, second and third floors; they will be organized around a central courtyard. The Sponsor will provide an array of services that will be appropriate for the intended residents.

Project Location: Los Angeles, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: Home Ownership Made Easy
Capital Advance: $569,700
Five-year rental subsidy: $100,000

Project description:

6 Project description: This development will consist of six two-bedroom condominiums located at three separate sites. The existing floor plans allow for easy accessibility between rooms and exits. The neighborhood character is a mix of well maintained established multifamily and single-family homes. The proposed developments are within walking distance to shopping, medical facilities, schools, transportation, parks, churches, social services and recreation programs.

Project Location: Pasadena, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: Home For Life Foundation
Capital Advance: $1,810,800
Five-year rental subsidy: $366,000

Project description:

23 Project description: The proposed project will be a 23-unit independent living project for persons with chronic mental illness; consisting of 22 one-bedroom apartment units and one one-bedroom unit, which is for the on-site manager. The community room has direct views and access to the exterior, capitalizing on the site amenities. Residents will have opportunities for gardening and for viewing the activities of the neighborhood. The Sponsor will provide an array of services that will be appropriate for the intended residents.

Project Location: Pinole, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: Resources for Community Dev
Capital Advance: $1,892,500
Five-year rental subsidy: $366,000

Project description:

19 Project description: The funds being awarded for this proposal will be enhanced by an additional commitment of HOME funds from Contra Costa County in the amount of $500,000 for this proposed 19 units of accessible housing for persons with physical disabilities including those disabled by AIDS/HIV. The proposed site provides many amenities which make it an excellent location for the future residents. The Sponsor has successfully completed several similar proposals in the past few years and it is expected that this proposal will be as much of a success as their other projects.

Project Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: Santa Cruz Comm. Counseling Ctr.
Capital Advance: $1,072,400
Five-year rental subsidy: $264,000

Project description:

6 Project description: This project will enable the Sponsor to provide long-term affordable housing for persons with chronic mental illness. The three sites proposed for the project are currently being leased by the Sponsor for persons with chronic mental illness. This Section 811 funds will enable the Sponsor to own these three properties and complete all necessary repairs to the buildings. The ability of the Sponsor to assure that this housing will remain available for the residents for the next 40 years is an extremely positive aspect of this selection.

Project Location: Santa Maria, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: People's Self-Help Housing Corporation
Capital Advance: $757,200
Five-year rental subsidy: $150,000

Project description:

9 Project description: This development will be a nine-unit independent living project for persons with developmental disabilities consisting of six one-bedroom units and three two-bedroom units. Valentine Court III is a subsequent phase to Valentine Court I, an existing 35-unit complex. The existing community building at Valentine Court I will be shared with this proposed development. This eliminates the cost of constructing duplicate space and also utilizes the land more efficiently allowing the most number of units to be built at Valentine Court III. The Sponsor will provide an on-going and comprehensive case management/supportive services coordination program for the residents.

Project Location: Vista, CA
Non-Profit Sponsor: TERI
Capital Advance: $380,600
Five-year rental subsidy: $92,500

Project description:

6 Project description: The sponsor has acquired a single-family home that will house six persons with developmental disabilities and one resident manager. The group home consists of four accessible bedrooms for residents and one bedroom suite for the resident manager. Adjacent to the resident manager's suite will be an office area some supportive services will be offered. T.E.R.I. has 11 years of experience in providing services for persons with developmental disabilities and will provide an array of services based on the needs and desires of the intended residents.

Content Archived: January 20, 2009