HUD AWARDS OVER $12 MILLION TO HELP THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CONTINUE TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AT HOME

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson today announced $12.1 million in Service Coordinator grants to provide more than 6,000 low-income frail elderly and residents with disabilities in federally supported housing with assistance to identify and receive health care, meals and other critical support services.

"This Administration 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, rather than face premature institutionalization," said Jackson.

The grants are directed to owners of privately owned multifamily 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. The grants pay the salary, fringe benefits, and related administrative expenses associated with employing a Service Coordinator. Service Coordinators help residents obtain supportive services provided by community agencies. These services enable frail elderly and disabled residents to live as independently as possible for as long as possible in their homes.

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.

Projects in 26 states will receive the Service Coordinator grants:

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, and 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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