Service providers still haven’t received federal funding that is awarded annually for a program that helps older, low-income adults live independently in affordable housing.
About two weeks ago, BigIfTrue.org reported that the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is months behind delivering funds for service coordinator programs, which serve residents in Section 202 affordable housing.
Colleen Knudsen, a spokesperson for LeadingAge, an association of nonprofit aging services providers, said by email that housing and service providers continue to wait for the funding. If the money isn’t sent by the end of the month, grant recipients must wait at least another three weeks because HUD’s accounting software, which helps the agency process grants, will be closed for annual servicing.
HUD didn’t respond to an email asking when the agency will send the funds and why they have been delayed.
[ Read more: HUD funding delays are eroding this program serving older, low-income adults ]
Service coordinators help older adults age in place, avoid eviction and access essential resources, like public benefits and health care.
Funding for the program has been delayed during at least the past five years. Grant recipients and advocacy organizations have said the wait has gotten longer each year.
This year, the funding delays have led to layoffs in at least 10 states, according to an August letter from LeadingAge and the American Association of Service Coordinators urging HUD to provide the funds.
Contact BigIfTrue.org editor Mollie Bryant at 405-990-0988 or bryant@bigiftrue.org. Follow her on Twitter.
BigIfTrue.org is a nonprofit news site based in Oklahoma City. Our mission is to report stories that envision a more equitable world and energize our readers to improve their communities. Donate to support our work here.
