PHILADELPHIA PA, November 9, 2007 – Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) issues the following statement for the Groundbreaking Ceremony today for Booth Manor II at 5522 Arch Street in Philadelphia:

“This is a great day for the Salvation Army and for senior citizens in Haddington and across West Philadelphia. Booth Manor I is a success, an anchor for the neighborhood. Now the Salvation Army is to be commended for building on that success with today’s groundbreaking for Booth Manor II.

“Thousands of our senior citizens of modest means are living today in subsidized apartments across Philadelphia, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s ‘202 program’ in partnership with caring, creative nonprofits like the Salvation Army. This is a program I have advocated and fought for in Congress on the Appropriations Committee, and we’ve been able to keep it funded even though the current Administration has tried to cut it back sharply.

“I’m going to continue that fight, and the prospects for the future are brighter. I look forward to more groundbreakings like today’s Booth Manor II with great organizations like the Salvation Army as they continue their fine work to benefit our city.”