HUD award given UCP Rhode Island
For Immediate Release Contact: Peter Quattromani December 5, 2003 401-728-1800 pquattromani@ucpri.org UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY RHODE ISLAND RECEIVES AN EARLY HOLIDAY GIFT FROM HUD
--UCP Awarded $984,400 Grant To Build a State of the Art Housing Complex for People Living With Disabilities; 200 People on Waiting List Gain Hope --
Pawtucket, RI –United Cerebral Palsy Rhode Island (UCPRI) announced today that it was awarded a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) section 811 grant to build accessible apartment units for people living with disabilities. UCPRI learned of the award from Congressman James Langevin. With up to 200 people on waitlists for accessible housing in Rhode Island, government officials and UCP joined forces to move the housing project forward. The building, which is expected to be completed within 2 years, will be located on Brookside Avenue in West Warwick, Rhode Island.
“Today is a tremendous step forward for people living with disabilities in Rhode Island,” said Dr. Lowell Roberts, Executive Director, UCPRI. “There are hundreds of people looking for accessible housing units and now they know that their community is working for them. This award would not have been possible without the support of the Governor's Office, as well as the support and determination of our Congressional delegation, Rhode Island state and community officials, state legislators, and other provider agencies. Now, more people with disabilities will be able to live independently. UCPRI views this project as the start of a multi-year commitment to expand Rhode Island's stock of affordable, accessible housing. We look forward to working with this coalition of committed citizens in the future as we attempt to find accessible places to live for all people with disabilities.”
Bruce R. Carey, President of United Cerebral Palsy of Rhode Island, was beaming as he talked about the significance of HUD's award. "It took over a year to secure the necessary State approvals before we could even submit our proposal," he said, "so the call from Congressman Langevin's office was a wonderful holiday gift. UCPRI was founded in 1954. Building these apartments will be a perfect commemorative of our 50 years of service."
UCP was awarded a $984,400 HUD 811 grant to develop the 8-unit affordable apartment complex for individuals with severe disabilities. The units will be fully accessible with features such as roll-in showers, tilt mirrors, remote-controlled windows, and infrared door openers for tenants unable to grasp a key. Computerized call systems, adapted to different types of disability, will alert the onsite manager to any emergency. Along with the accessibility features of the building and security, UCPRI’s Adult Supportive Living Division will supply personal support services for tenants who request them. Adequate housing is a major issue for many Americans. Finding a place to live that meets one's needs, is in a suitable location and is affordable are problems for everyone. But people with disabilities face additional problems including accessibility and discrimination, which is why housing is one of UCP’s top priorities. Without these units, individuals with severe disabilities could not afford to live in their home communities with their family, friends and support system. "UCPRI's plan to develop an 8-unit apartment complex on Brookside Avenue will increase the number of affordable, accessible housing units, and I fully endorse this undertaking," said Thomas Iannitti, West Warwick Director of Human Services. "The apartments will offer the opportunity for people with disabilities to live in the community safely in their own homes and, equally important, the opportunity to participate in community activities and its economy."
UCP Rhode Island has built and developed one other apartment complex for individuals with disabilities located in Johnston, RI. UCPRI is unique in Rhode Island, because it operates no institutional facilities or group homes. Everyone receiving supports from UCPRI lives in their own homes or with their families. “Living independently is a crucial stepping stone for many people with disabilities, as they realize that it is possible to live life just like any other American,” added Roberts. “UCP believes all people living with a disability deserve to feel that sense of dignity and pride and we will continue to look for housing opportunities throughout Rhode Island so that everyone has the chance to live in an affordable and accommodating setting.”
Rhode Islanders with disabilities and their families, who are interested in housing and services for independent living may contact UCPRI at 401-728-1800.or UCPRIsupport@ucpri.org. ###
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