Rehberg Announces $3.7 Million for Low-Income Elderly Housing in Kalispell

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 13, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced that Accessible Space, Inc., a non-profit in Kalispell, would receive a $3,519,000 capital advance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the construction of 22 one-bedroom units for low-income elderly residences. In addition, they will receive $219,000 over three years to subsidize the initial cost of rent.

“This is welcome news for the Kalispell community,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees funding for HUD. “Montana’s low-income seniors can be among the most vulnerable, especially with increasing costs of energy and housing. This funding is an important step toward a long-term solution.”

Four of the units will be fully accessible with roll-in showers and kitchens for those residents with disabilities. Special amenities include a community room, laundry room and patio area to encourage socializing for the residents and their families and friends. The project will employ Energy Star rated furnaces, thermostats and appliances.

In addition to funding the construction and rehabilitation of projects to create apartments, HUD Section 202 grants will subsidize rents for three 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.