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Press Release: November 03, 2006

Congressman John W. Olver
1111 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-2101

Tel: 202-225-5335
Fax: 202-226-1224

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MONTACHUSETT HOME CARE CORPORATION TO RECEIVE $3,098,900 GRANT

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressmen John W. Olver (D-1st District) and Marty Meehan (D-5th District) announced that Montachusett Home Care Corporation (MHCC) will receive a $3,098,900 Section 202 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The funding will be used to convert the Pleasant Street School property in Ayer into subsidized housing for low-income seniors. Renovations of the former elementary school building, constructed in 1893 and substantially vacant for the last 20 years, will yield 21 affordable senior apartments with onsite support services such as meal preparation and housekeeping.

The HUD Section 202 program allocates funds to increase the supply of rental housing with supportive services to allow elderly persons to live as independently as possible in the community. In addition, HUD Section 202 grants subsidize rents so that residents pay only 30 percent of their adjusted incomes. To be eligible for the assistance a household must be classified as "very low-income," which means an income less than 50 percent of the area median.

"The lack of affordable housing options in the area is a serious problem especially for seniors," Congressman John Olver said. "This project will provide not only an affordable housing option, but an option with supportive services that will allow residents to age-in-place and maintain their independence."

"The increasing cost of living is straining the already-tight budgets of our seniors and a lack of housing options forces them into tough choices. We need to be doing more to provide our senior citizens with the housing and care services that they deserve," said Meehan. "I was pleased to work with HUD and Congressman Olver to secure this funding that provides desperately needed affordable living for the seniors of Ayer."

"I am very pleased to receive this HUD grant award. It will expand affordable housing options for seniors. With the graying of America, good, affordable housing, with supportive services, is of paramount concern. We are looking forward to working with the Ayer Housing Authority to bring this project to fruition," said Margaret Woovis, Executive Director of Montachusett Home Care Corporation.

Montachusett Home Care Corporation is a Leominster-based private, non-profit agency, incorporated in 1974, that serves as the Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) for 21 towns in north central Massachusetts. MHCC is committed to the goal of maximizing the independence and self-determination of the elderly and disabled by providing comprehensive information, advocacy, and access to community long term care.

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For additional information, please contact Margaret Woovis, Executive Director of Montachusett Home Care Corporation, at 978-537-7411.