WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced three Maryland recipients have been awarded a total of approximately $15.7 million to construct housing for low-income seniors through Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 202 competitive grants.  Senator Mikulski is a member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee that funds HUD.  Senator Cardin is on the Budget Committee.

“As our nation anticipates the retirement of 78 million baby boomers, it is becoming more and more important to support programs that help keep seniors independent as long as possible.  Providing safe, affordable and adequate housing for America’s elderly population has always been one of my top priorities,” said Senator Mikulski.  “That’s why I’m proud this money will help provide the resources necessary for seniors to get affordable housing with the care and services they need and deserve.” 

“We must provide for low-income seniors so they can live independently for as long as possible,” said Senator Cardin.  “These grants are awarded on a competitive basis and provide housing and support services so that families can make sure that their elderly relatives have access to housing that will meet their needs.”

Associated Catholic Charities in Baltimore City has been awarded nearly $6.6 million to build 54 units of seniors housing at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish on Kane Street in Southeast Baltimore.  For more information, call Dale McArdle at 443-542-9144.

St. Johns Church in Harford County has been awarded nearly $6.6 million to build 54 units of senior housing in Havre de Grace.  For more information, call Sharon McGlothlin at 410-939-5040.

The Garrett County Community Action Council has been awarded more than $2.5 million for construction of 28 senior housing units in Terra Alta, W.Va., which is about six miles from Oakland, Md.  For more information, call Duane Yoder at 301-334-9431.

Section 202 grants allow low-income, elderly persons to live as independently as long as possible in the community by increasing the supply of rental housing with the availability of supportive services.  Funds allow non-profit organizations or consumer cooperatives to build, acquire and/or rehabilitate rental housing with support services for people age 62 and older.  The funds are used to cover the difference between the HUD-approved operating cost per unit and the tenant’s rent.  Funding is interest-free and does not need to be repaid, so long as the housing remains available to very low-income seniors for at least 40 years.