OBAMA ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $23.7 MILLION TO PRODUCE MORE ASSISTED LIVING SENIOR HOUSING IN FIVE STATES
More Than $2.2 million to convert multifamily projects in Avilla, IN to help elderly 'age in place'

CHICAGO - Elderly Americans in Connecticut, Indiana, Minnesota, New York and Ohio will soon find themselves living in upgraded apartments equipped to meet their physical needs because of $23.7 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD today announced the grants to help convert existing multifamily projects into assisted living facility for the elderly. The Laverna Terrace Housing in Avilla, IN will receive more than $2.2 million to convert 20 existing elderly units assisted living units for the frail elderly to age in place. See below for detailed summary.

The funding is provided through HUD's Assisted Living Conversion Program which provides grants for the physical conversion of eligible multifamily assisted housing projects or portions of projects to assisted living facilities.

"The funding we announce today will allow the elderly an opportunity to age in place in familiar surroundings as they become older and require supportive services," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "These grants will provide an affordable option to nursing homes, helping seniors to live independently."

"This grant will allow elderly residents in Indiana's Laverna Terrace Housing to remain in the homes they know and receive the services they need to live as independently as possible," said Antonio R. Riley, HUD's Midwest Regional Administrator.

Assisted living facilities are designed to accommodate low-income frail elderly persons and persons with disabilities who can live independently but need assistance with the activities of daily living such as help with eating, bathing, grooming, dressing and home management activities. These affordable facilities provide support services such as personal care, transportation, meals, and housekeeping.

The grants are awarded on a competitive basis. During the review process, HUD assesses several ranking factors including: the extent to which the conversion is needed by the persons that the project is intended to serve; the quality and effectiveness of the proposal in addressing the proposed conversion including the meals and supportive services which the project intends to provide; the ability of the project owner to secure other community resources which can be combined with the grant to achieve the program's purposes; and the capacity of the project owner to carry out the conversion in a timely and effective manner.

The owners are responsible for ensuring that converted units meet all local standards, codes and regulations governing assisted living facilities. The projects must also be licensed and regulated by the appropriate governing body.

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.

INDIANA
Avilla
Laverna Terrace Housing
$2,251,361

The Assisted Living Conversion Program grant funds will be used to convert 20 existing elderly units into assisted living units for the frail elderly to age in place. The units within the north wing will be modified to provide one hundred percent accessible dwelling units through modification of all kitchens and bathrooms. The common areas to be developed include a new commercial kitchen providing comprehensive food services for all meals; a new dining room; therapy room; commercial laundry; nursing office; flexible spaces for multiple activities including exercise; and a personal resident laundry.

Providing Assisted Living in Laverna Terrace will allow frail elderly residents already living in an independent environment to receive the support they require, while remaining in an environment where they are comfortable.