FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 25, 2003

LARSON ANNOUNCES $4.8 MILLION FOR SENIOR HOUSING IN WETHERSFIELD

WETHERSFIELD- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) announced today that a $4.8 million federal grant has been awarded to build 42 units of low-income senior housing in Wethersfield. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association (AHEPA) National Housing Corps, the non-profit sponsor of the effort. A five-year rental subsidy of $852,000 is also being awarded. The Wethersfield chapter, AHEPA 58, Inc., currently operates the Nathan Hale Apartments and is now one of seven AHEPA chapters in Connecticut that has received federal funding for this program.

"I am thrilled that this valuable grant has been awarded to construct new housing for low-income seniors," said Larson. "There is a tremendous need for affordable senior housing in the Hartford area and that need will only grow more pressing. This housing will allow residents to maintain their independence longer in a safe and secure environment."

The funding is part of $740 million awarded nationwide under a nationwide HUD housing program for elderly and disabled people. In addition to funding the construction, HUD grants will subsidize rents for five years so that residents will pay only 30 percent of their adjusted incomes as rent. 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. People that are age 62 or older are eligible. The construction site is two acres and the building will be four stories high with elevators.

In July, Congressman Larson wrote a letter to the Director of HUD's Connecticut Multi-Family Program Center, urging that the grant be awarded.

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