FEDERAL FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR INNOVATIVE SENIOR HOUSING INITIATIVE IN VAN BUREN
New Facility Will Replicate Successful PACE CNY Program in North Syracuse

(Syracuse, New York)- Congressman Jim Walsh today announced that $4.2 million in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 202 funds will be awarded to Loretto to construct a 40-unit senior housing facility on Peck Road in the Town of Van Buren. The apartments will be available exclusively to lower-income elderly persons. The project is also receiving $276,106 in federal HOME funds through Onondaga County.

“This project addresses a rising demand in the Greater Baldwinsville area,” said Walsh. “Loretto and St. Joseph’s Hospital’s PACE CNY program serves as a strong alternative for area seniors who can and choose to live independently, but require extra assistance to do so.  It is a terrific and less costly alternative to nursing home care.”

The federal funding announced today will be used to construct 40 apartment units with easy access to public transportation, shopping and medical services.  Monthly rents are subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and are based on 30% of adjusted monthly income.  To compliment the housing facility, Loretto plans to construct a second apartment building and PACE (Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) CNY Center, on the same campus in the very near future. 

PACE CNY is an innovative program that provides comprehensive care services to frail older adults through its sponsors, Loretto and St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center. A similar campus funded by HUD 202 and supported by PACE CNY already exists in North Syracuse and has been very successful.

"The funding we announce today will create 40 affordable homes and critically needed services to our senior citizens," said HUD Deputy Secretary Roy A. Bernardi. "This grant will provide seniors an affordable home and assistance with cleaning, cooking, and transportation and, most importantly, allows them to continue to live independently."

Through the HOME program, Onondaga County is also supporting this project. Each year Onondaga County receives funding through HUD's HOME program to be used for housing-related activities within the County.

"Thanks to effective leaders in Washington like Congressman Jim Walsh and HUD Deputy Secretary Bernardi, Onondaga County receives substantial amounts of federal funds through our Community Development Division for housing projects, renovation and repairs of homes for seniors and low income families," said Onondaga County Executive Nicholas J. Pirro. "We are proud to assist with many Community Housing Development Organizations like Loretto in helping to make safe housing affordable to our residents."

"Congressman Walsh and former Mayor Bernardi understand the needs of Syracuse and Onondaga County and have proven that time and again by their ability to obtain federal funding to assist with these quality of life issues."  Pirro added.
In 2002, Loretto was certified to become permanent regional provider of the PACE program that took eight years to develop and is one of only 34 across the nation.  PACE CNY, a collaborative effort of Loretto and St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center, provides a convincing blueprint for the future of eldercare, where an interdisciplinary team approach to senior care can actually improve quality of life in a cost effective manner.
"Many frail elders are unable to secure both affordable housing and the services they need to continue living in the community, and as a consequence, move prematurely to a skilled nursing facility," said Jim Introne, President of Loretto. "A project like this makes it possible for seniors to have more options and to maintain their independence. We’re very grateful to both the Federal and the County governments for making this possible."

Here in Onondaga County, PACE CNY currently serves nearly 350 older adults, which is close to capacity. As an investment in the future of this community, Loretto recently conducted a capital campaign and raised over $1 million to expand the program.

PACE CNY is designed to help frail seniors remain independent and living in the community for as long as possible.

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