The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has chosen B’nai B’rith International (BBI) and its partner, Wiregrass Foundation, to receive a Section 202 Supportive Housing Program for the Elderly award of $3,824,700, which will be used to build a housing facility in Dothan, Ala., for very low-income senior citizens.
B’nai B’rith International is the largest national Jewish sponsor of senior housing in the United States. BBI teamed up with the nonprofit Wiregrass Foundation of Alabama to secure the award.
“We are very appreciative that B’nai B’rith agreed to co-sponsor our application,” said J.Vincent Edge, president of the Wiregrass Foundation. “B’nai B’rith’s national presence, extensive housing experience, and stellar track record with HUD were essential to us securing this award.”
Those 62 and over, regardless of religion or race, who qualify economically will be eligible for a subsidized apartment in the 39-unit independent living facility. The private management agency SPM will oversee daily operations of the apartment complex.
For B’nai B’rith, being able to bring low income housing to an area with a small but active Jewish community is very exciting. “We are so pleased to receive this grant,” said Marvin Siflinger, the chair of the B’nai B’rith Senior Housing Committee. “Securing a HUD grant is not easy, and we are just delighted we will be able to make this happen in Dothan.”
Construction is set to begin by the end of the year. BBI and Wiregrass hope the first residents will move in sometime in 2010.
