Reed Announces Over $13.2 Million in Affordable Housing Grants for Coventry, Warwick, and Westerly
WASHINGTON, DC – January 13, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) – In an effort to help senior citizens and persons with disabilities find safe and affordable housing, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that Coventry, Warwick, and Westerly will receive over $13.2 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Section 202 and Section 811 Supportive Housing Programs.
“This federal aid is targeted to help vulnerable citizens with limited resources find a safe, decent place to live. It also helps refurbish old properties and creates more affordable housing in Coventry, Warwick, and Westerly. This initiative is geared towards providing these individuals with the resources they need to maintain self sufficiency and is a wise investment in our communities,” said Reed, a member of the Banking Committee, which oversees federal housing policy.
The Section 202 and 811 programs help expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for the elderly and persons with disabilities. These programs allow individuals to live independently in a safe and supportive environment. Section 202 and 811 also provide rent subsidies for the projects to help make them affordable.
“We are grateful to Senator Reed for securing this vital federal funding for our state. This money will go a long way towards expanding the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for people in need of assistance,” said Noreen Shawcross, chief of Rhode Island’s Office of Housing and Community Development.
The Coventry Housing Association Corporation is receiving $4,925,800 in 202 funding to develop 34 one-bedroom units of newly constructed housing in three buildings for very low-income elderly persons in Coventry. The group is also receiving an additional $480,300 for a three-year rental subsidy. The project’s location adjacent to two developments owned by the Coventry Housing Authority provides opportunities for interaction with other elderly residents and enhances the supportive services offerings. There are also shopping, restaurants, public transportation, and public services within walking distance.
The Saint Elizabeth Community in Warwick is receiving $5,153,700 in 202 funding to construct 34 one-bedroom units of housing for very low-income elderly and frail elderly persons. The group is also receiving an additional $480,300 for a three-year rental subsidy. The site is adjacent to an Adult Day Center, which will provide supportive services for the residents of the proposed project.
The House of Hope Community Development Corporation in Warwick is receiving $724,300 in 811 funding to rehabilitate convalescent home and develop five units of affordable housing for very low-income persons with disabilities. The group is also receiving an additional $70,800 for a three-year rental subsidy. All units will be designed for full accessibility for disabled residents to ensure the highest standard of independent living possible. The site is also proximate and accessible to public transportation, shopping, medical services, churches, and recreational facilities.
WARM, Inc. in Westerly is receiving $1,278,100 in 811 funding to construct eight independent living units for persons with disabilities and their families. The group is also receiving an additional $113,100 for a three-year rental subsidy. The location is accessible to shopping, medical, and recreational facilities. Many businesses and facilities are within walking distance and public transportation is available thereby promoting the ability of residents to live as independently as possible.
