HUD AWARDS OVER $30 MILLION TO HELP THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CONTINUE TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AT HOME

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez today announced $30.9 million in service coordinator grants to provide more than 23,000 low-income elderly and residents with disabilities in federally supported housing with assistance to identify and receive health care, meals and other critical support services.

"HUD 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," said Secretary Martinez.

The grants are directed to owners of private housing developments in 42 states and the District of Columbia 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.

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.

Each year, HUD provides rental assistance to approximately 1.5 million elderly low-income households so that they may live in decent, safe and affordable homes.

The grants are: