Pennsylvania Congressman and Bensalem Mayor announce House passage of $500,000 in federal funding to build affordable housing for disabled and low-income veterans

(Bensalem, PA) – On Tuesday, August 17, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District) was joined by Bensalem Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo’s office and local officials to announce House passage of $500,000 in federal funding for affordable housing for veterans.

Mayor DiGirolamo has spearheaded the effort to construct 40 independent living apartments for low-income and disabled veterans. Earlier this year, the Mayor had approached Murphy about requesting federal funding to help move the project forward. Murphy submitted the request, calling the affordable housing project “vital for the wellbeing of heroes who served our country but have fallen on tough times.”

“Veterans who are disabled or find themselves struggling to make ends meet will now have this safety net to fall back on, and I’m honored to do my part to help with this project,” said Murphy. He thanked Mayor DiGirolamo, Nancy Szamborski with the Bucks County Housing Group, and Charles Diamond with the Bucks County Housing Development Corporation for their tireless efforts to bring the project to fruition.

“I appreciate Congressman Murphy’s efforts on behalf of Bucks County’s 60,000 veterans. I look forward to completing this important project and providing affordable housing for veterans who need that help,” said Mayor DiGirolamo.

The federal funding, one of several sources for the project, will go to the Bucks County Housing Development Corporation to carry out the construction of the new units. In addition to the 40 units, the Bensalem Affordable Veterans Housing project will include a community room and social service offices to provide the veterans with additional support. The funding was included in the House Transportation-Housing-Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill.

For Immediate Release, August 17, 2010
Contact: Sara Schaumburg, (202) 225-4276