From the Office of Senator Kerry

Tuesday, October 17, 2000

Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry and Congressman Marty Meehan announced today that Lowell will receive a $2,193,776 federal grant and Methuen will receive a $293,563 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Section 8 Mainstream grants will be used to fund 75 vouchers over the next five years for affordable, supportive housing for individuals with mental and physical disabilities over five years in Lowell, and 50 vouchers in Methuen over the next year. The Lowell and Methuen housing authorities will use the vouchers to expand partnerships with the Massachusetts Departments of Mental Health and Mental Retardation and local non-profit human service agencies to provide affordable housing with supportive services that will enable residents to lead independent lives.

Senator Kennedy said, "I welcome HUD's action. This timely federal assistance will enable the Lowell and Methuen communities to do a more effective job of meeting the urgent housing needs of those who need it most."

"I am pleased that Lowell and Methuen are receiving this assistance in providing quality, affordable housing for those who are physically and mentally challenged and I am grateful to HUD for partnering with non-profit agencies to target affordable housing vouchers for those who need it most," said Senator John F. Kerry, Senior Democrat on the Senate Housing Sub-Committee. "For families living paycheck to paycheck, especially those with physical and mental challenges, one unforeseen circumstance, a sick child, a car repair bill, can send them into homelessness – and in this time of unparalleled economic growth Congress should be taking full advantage of this and other opportunities to alleviate the worst housing crisis in decades."

"These are critical housing vouchers that will provide needed aide to disabled residents in both Lowell and Methuen," said Meehan. "I am especially pleased that area mental health support services will help disabled families find appropriate housing that meets their specific needs. Safe and affordable housing with a focus on individual needs is the right way to promote independent living."