FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 14, 2009

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEARLY $14 MILLION COMING TO WESTERN NEW YORK IN HUD RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR SENIORS

Section 202 Housing Grants Will Provide Affordable Housing and Elderly Support in Erie County

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $13,742,300 to Western New York through HUD's Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program. The Menorah Campus Adult Home, Inc. will receive $7,075,500 and People Inc. will receive $6,666,800. Funding will be used to help increase the supply of rental housing with the availability of supportive services to individuals 62 and older.

“This is great news for the Menorah Campus and People Inc and the individuals and families who benefit from their services,” said Schumer. “These grants will help seniors achieve economic and financial independence while at the same time providing them with quality, affordable housing. I will continue to fight for funds that will help improve the quality of life for residents in Western New York."

HUD provides capital advances to assist with financing the construction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of structures which will serve as supportive housing for low-income elderly persons, as well as provide rent subsidies for this type of project to help make them affordable. The Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program helps expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for the elderly. It provides low-income elderly with options that allow them to live independently but in an environment that provides support activities such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation. Capital advances do not have to be repaid as long as the project serves very low-income elderly persons for forty years.

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