Nearly $500K for service coordinators to boost independent senior living

PROVIDENCE — In an effort to ensure that elderly and disabled residents receive health care, meals, transportation, and other critical supportive services, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced $479,745 in federal funding for the renewal of contracts for service coordinators in several communities around the state.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ( HUD), the Service Coordinator Program provides funding for the employment of service coordinators in assisted multi-family housing developments. Service coordinators work directly with residents to connect them with programs and services that already exist in the local community.

Service coordinators play a critical role in helping to foster a housing-plus supportive service environment that allows vulnerable persons to live independently and remain in their homes. Service coordinators support HUD-assisted housing residents by improving their financial security and social connections, and optimize the delivery of long-term community-based supportive services, especially for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly.

“I am pleased to help deliver critical resources for Rhode Island. These service coordinators help connect seniors and disabled residents with the care, support, and assistance they need. It is a cost-effective program that helps low-income seniors live on their own – rather than in an assisted-living program – but who still need someone to look out for them and help them navigate their independent lives,” said Reed.

Reed helped provide $75 million for the Service Coordinator Program in the fiscal year 2017 Omnibus.

Federal funding will be provided to housing organizations in the following communities: East Providence: $64,363 North Providence: $6,670 Pawtucket: $69,233 Providence: $260,469 Warwick: $9,452 Woonsocket: $69,558