Contact: Barbara Riley
Tuesday, September 19, 2006

WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senator John Sununu (R-NH), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, announced today (9/19) that the Keene-based Southwestern Community Services is set to receive $164,600 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The non-profit group will use these funds to support the construction of a multi-phased senior housing development in Newport.

“Southwestern Community Services has responded to Newport’s critical need for more units of senior housing in the town and surrounding area,” said Sununu, who wrote a letter to HUD in support of the organization’s grant application. “The group understands the needs of the communities it serves and has a well-earned reputation for producing high quality work. These resources will help Southwestern Community Services as it moves forward on an initiative that will benefit local seniors.”

Southwestern Community Services applied for Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program funding through HUD earlier this year. Resources provided through this grant will support architectural and engineering work, site control, and other planning-related expenses.

Keith Thibault, Southwestern Community Services Development Director, said: “Southwestern Community Services is extremely pleased to be partnering with HUD in downtown Newport. This HUD 202 Demonstration Grant award comes at a critical time for the development and is an excellent example of the foresight necessary to provide for a much-needed housing asset in this rural community. These resources will allow SCS to continue providing additional Affordable and Workforce Housing development opportunities throughout southwestern New Hampshire. This award is greatly appreciated.”

For more information, Thibault may be reached at 603-352-7512, extension 4208.