Grant will fund group home for disabled
♦ The housing authority will place the six-person residence on East 12th Street.
A $ 938,397 grant for a new group home in East Rome has been awarded to the Appalachian Housing and Redevelopment Corp., an affiliate of the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority.
The funds from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are earmarked for affordable residences in conjunction with HUD’S Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program.
Northwest Georgia Housing Authority Executive Director Sandra Hudson said the money will be used to construct a sixbedroom, six- bath home at 119 E. 12th St., across from the John Graham Homes public housing community.
All six efficiency units will be made available to adults with disabilities and mental health issues.
The residence will feature a large front porch with a wheelchair accessible front door. The living room will have three distinct seating areas.
Each of the units will have a window and and energy efficient bathroom with a sink that is wheelchair accessible. There will be no steps inside the home.
The grants were made to housing agencies that will create permanent supportive housing models and promote the integration of persons with a variety of disabilities into the community.
“The development of new rental housing, and subsidies for residents, will expand their options to live with independence within the community in a more integrated environment,” said Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner Dana Wade.
Hudson said the new residence in Rome will include a large kitchen and family room.
“NWGHA plans to reach out to Highland Rivers and the local hospitals for referrals,” Hudson said.
The Supportive Services team includes Three Rivers Homes Supports & Services, Highland Rivers Health, the National Association of Mental Illness and the Northwest Georgia Center for Independent Living.