"I am so pleased that I was able to help secure these funds for the Healthy Community Alliance, Inc. These critical funds will provide housing to those who would not be able to afford it otherwise. This is an important investment in the community and will give local seniors a place to live that is both comfortable and convenient. It is also a testament to the great work done by Healthy Community Alliance, Inc.,” Senator Clinton said.

     Healthy Community Alliance Executive Director Sharon J. Mathe noted the importance of the project, saying, “This project will breathe new life into our rural community. In addition to providing affordable senior housing with a variety of activities and services, a number of new jobs will be created. Academy Place will serve as a model for other economically depressed rural communities.”

     The location of these housing units was carefully chosen to ensure community integration for the residents of this housing. The building, otherwise known as Academy Place, will be developed to blend into the existing neighborhood, and provide abundant opportunities for interaction with neighbors and local merchants. Senator Clinton helped secure these funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Section 202 grant.

     HUD’s Section 202 grants program helps expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for the elderly. This project will offer elderly residents the opportunity to live independently in an environment that supports a variety of social, educational, and wellness activities as well as transportation. In addition to funding the construction and rehabilitation of projects to create apartments, HUD Section 202 grants will subsidize rents for five years so that residents will pay only 30 percent of their adjusted incomes as rent. Eligibility is based on income which is less than 50 percent of the area median - one-person household, under $17,450; two-person household, under $19,950.