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B'nai B'rith's Reaction to President Biden's State of the Union Address

3/1/2022

 
Picture
President of the United States Joe Biden delivers his State of the Union address.
(Washington, D.C., March 1, 2022)—B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:
 
In his State of the Union address tonight, President Joe Biden spoke about some of our top organizational priorities.

We support Biden’s affirmation of the trans-Atlantic alliance in the face of Russia’s violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine. We agree that this is a welcome and important show of solidarity. As the Russian invasion is nearly a week old—an invasion we condemned—B’nai B’rith continues to focus on the humanitarian crisis facing the people of Ukraine. B’nai B’rith International, along with B’nai B’rith Europe, B’nai B’rith UK and B’nai B’rith in Italy and Germany, is focusing our aid efforts to help meet the urgent needs of Jewish communities.

This conflict has put into sharp focus the danger of global reliance on Russian gas and oil exports. Energy independence is vital to ensure the United States and its allies do not rely on oil from countries whose interests are not aligned with our own. We must continue to work with our allies to diversify Europe's energy supply and reduce dependence on Russian energy.

Domestically, we thank the president for highlighting tonight the need to reduce prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients. In addition, we urge the White House and Congress to support legislation that provides economic relief to seniors, especially affordable housing for older adults as well as further adjustments to Medicare that would make hearing aids more affordable. B’nai B’rith was encouraged last year that the House of Representatives passed legislation that tackled these issues, however, we are disappointed the legislation has not passed the Senate. As an active advocate for low-income seniors, we believe this relief can positively impact the lives of older Americans.

Sensible gun reform measures are urgently needed to address the disturbing rise in gun violence and crime across our cities. We worry greatly about the rise in hate crimes against Jewish individuals and institutions and call for increased funding of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to protect Jewish communities and other vulnerable targets.

We commend the president for stressing the need for border security, along with reform of our immigration laws and support for the Dreamers (those who were brought to this country illegally as children). B’nai B’rith has long supported comprehensive immigration reform with a path toward citizenship.

B’nai B’rith will monitor developments in the areas discussed tonight, as well as those we wished had received attention within the speech. We will continue to meet with White House officials and members of Congress on these topics to offer our analysis and guidance.

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org.

U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia Visits B'nai B'rith Senior Housing Community in Pasadena, Texas

6/10/2021

 
U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas) visited B’nai B’rith’s Pasadena Interfaith Manor, a federally subsidized senior housing facility, on June 9. During the visit Garcia took a tour of the property, visiting the community room, library/network center, a model apartment unit and the “country store” operated by the building’s tenant council. She also spoke with staff members regarding how the building’s residents are rebounding from the pandemic and ways her office can help with constituent casework, specifically Medicare and Medicaid. In addition, the congresswoman’s office agreed to provide more masks for the building’s residents, if needed. Garcia has previously delivered masks for the building, and we appreciate her continued support.   
​

Garcia said about the visit, “I was so pleased to visit with residents and staff at the Pasadena Interfaith Manor in my district for the Speaker of the House, Democratic Women’s Caucus and DPCC Joint Care Economy Week of Action. Our seniors have given our communities so much and they are the backbone of our families. I greatly appreciate the hard work of the care staff at the Pasadena Interfaith Manor, and this visit was an insightful opportunity for me to learn more about how I can keep advocating on their behalf in Congress.” 

Attending the event on behalf of the building were manager Mike Garcia (no relation), assistant manager Vicky Chacon and lead maintenance staff member Rene Ballesteros. 

Mike Garcia said, “I want to thank Rep. Garcia for visiting and taking a tour of the building. Rep. Garcia throughout the pandemic has been supportive of our building and residents. We appreciate having our elected representative check in with us on a regular basis to see how her office can be helpful. She has been a tremendous friend of affordable housing for seniors and we are thankful.”  

The B’nai B’rith Senior Housing Network in the United States comprises 38 buildings in 16 states and serves more than 5,000 residents. Our long history with housing started in 1971 when we formed a partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to sponsor housing for seniors of limited means without regard to race, religion or sexual orientation.  ​

B’nai B’rith Supports Emergency Housing Assistance Bill for Seniors

7/2/2020

 
(Washington, D.C., July 2, 2020)--B’nai B’rith welcomes the introduction of a new Senate bill that would provide financial resources for senior housing in response to COVID-19.
 
The Emergency Housing Assistance for Older Adults Act of 2020, introduced by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) will provide much needed resources to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assisted senior housing.
 
“B’nai B’rith International, as the largest national Jewish sponsor of low-income, nonsectarian housing for seniors in the United States, is uniquely aware of the need to allocate additional financial resources for HUD senior housing in response to the COVID-19 crisis,” said Mark Olshan, associate executive vice president of B’nai B’rith International and director of the B’nai B’rith International Center for Senior Services. “Consequently, we are pleased to support the Emergency Housing Assistance for Older Adults Act of 2020 introduced by Senator Robert Menendez. This legislation provides critical funding for senior properties to better meet challenges associated with the virus, including the ability to purchase more personal protective equipment, expand service coordination and WiFi accessibility. During a time of national crisis, we are thankful that Senator Menendez is leading the effort in the Senate to ensure that senior housing has the resources to combat the pandemic.”

“Given how vulnerable seniors are to the coronavirus, we call on Congress to quickly pass this legislation." said B’nai B’rith Legislative Director for Aging Policy Evan Carmen. “The legislation provides critical financial resources for the residents of HUD assisted senior housing that will ensure a safer environment for older Americans.”. 

Menendez represents three B’nai B’rith-sponsored senior housing facilities: South Orange B’nai B’rith Federation House, B’nai B’rith Chesilhurt House and B’nai B’rith Elmwood House.

“As the coronavirus pandemic continues to take its toll on our communities and families, it has had a relentless, devastating impact on our nation’s seniors, especially elderly Americans living in facilities that struggled with lack of protection, staff and resources,” Menendez said. “Congress has an obligation to help our most vulnerable during this crisis and that means making sure our federally-assisted senior housing facilities have the necessary resources to effectively protect and ensure residents remain safe, healthy and have access to key services during the COVID-19 crisis.”

B’nai B’rith would also like to acknowledge Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Dianne Feinstein (D-C.A.), Krysten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore). In addition, we would also like to thank Rep. Katie Porter (D-C.A.) and Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-C.A.) for introducing the Emergency Housing Assistance for Older Adults Act of 2020 in the House last month.  

These bills allocate $1.2 billion to senior housing, which will enable buildings to hire more staff, purchase more personal protective equipment (PPE) and deal with decreased revenue due to decreased rent payments caused by the pandemic-related lockdowns and economic crisis. In addition, this money helps advance service coordination, both for buildings that already have and those that do not yet have a service coordinator. A service coordinator is a social service staff person who connects residents with services in the community. This legislation provides $50 million in funding for increasing WiFi accessibility, a crucial service in an age of telehealth medicine. Better WiFi also would enable service coordinators to speak with building residents while practicing social distancing.

While the money in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is already helping low-income seniors, the long-term and on-going virus threat requires further stimulus legislation. Therefore, we encourage Congress to pass the Emergency Housing Assistance for Older Adults Act of 2020 to ensure that senior housing has the appropriate resources to meet the challenges of the day.

The news release from Menendez can be found here: https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-introduces-bill-to-ensure-seniors-in-federal-housing-can-live-safely-stay-healthy-during-pandemic. 

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org.

B’nai B’rith Urges Further Action for Seniors Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

4/7/2020

 
We commended the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which is providing assistance for low-income senior housing. With the COVID-19 virus still bearing down on the country, B’nai B’rith is calling on Congress to pass another bipartisan stimulus package that provides funding for Section 202 affordable housing for seniors. 
 
As the largest national Jewish sponsor of low-income, nonsectarian housing for seniors in the United States, B’nai B’rith is uniquely aware of the need to appropriate additional financial resources for senior housing in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The additional money would potentially allow senior buildings to expand service coordination (which is especially important for buildings that lack a service coordinator: a social services staff person) and offer WiFi to all residents, which could make telemedicine more readily accessible. Funding could also provide the necessary resources for buildings to absorb additional expenses associated with extra staffing, cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment, security personnel and decreases in rents. The funding could enable our country to construct more Section 202 properties. As always, B’nai B’rith will continue to advocate to members of Congress on issues important to seniors.  
​
Lastly, we appreciate the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) decision to provide direct stimulus payments to all Social Security recipients regardless of whether they filed a tax return.  We now call on the IRS to extend this guidance to Supplemental Security Income recipients (SSI). Forcing SSI recipients, to file a tax return is an unnecessary burden during a time of crisis. Given restrictions regarding travel and socialization, the IRS guidance places hardships on the very set of people who need the financial assistance the most. We should be looking to get financial assistance to SSI recipients as quickly as possible and not force them to jump needlessly through hoops.

B’nai B’rith Center for Senior Services Supports Seniors During COVID-19 Outbreak

3/24/2020

 
​As the COVID-19 outbreak shows no signs of letting up, staff members of the B’nai B’rith Center for Senior Services (CSS) are working tirelessly to support seniors at the local and national levels. In addition to providing assistance to the on-site staff and residents of our network of senior living facilities across the country, CSS is working with members of Congress to ensure that seniors are cared for during this uncertain time. 
 
B’nai B’rith is the largest national Jewish sponsor of low-income, nonsectarian housing for seniors in the United States.
 
Members of the CSS staff are in constant contact with our housing network through frequent emails and weekly conference calls. To ensure that residents and building staff were knowledgeable of safety precautions, CSS facilitated a COVID-19 best practices session for the entire network and keeps the network abreast of the latest updates from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via email. 
 
We have reached out to congressional offices to advocate for more funding for the Section 202 program, which supports affordable housing for seniors, and for service coordinators, a critical part of that program. While it is impossible to predict the future, it is likely that administrative costs will go up for many Section 202 buildings. Adhering to public health guidelines and providing needed support for seniors can be expensive, especially if residents of a building enter quarantine. We hope and expect that Congress will realize the necessity of extra funds for the Section 202 program.

Resources:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance for Federally-Assisted Housing.  Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Retirement Communities and Independent Living Facilities (Interim Guidance)

Department of Housing and Urban Development Q@A Questions and Answers for Office of Multifamily Housing Stakeholders

A Message from B'nai B'rith's President and CEO regarding COVID-19

3/16/2020

 
Dear friends,

The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing us all to rethink how we interact with the world around us.

B’nai B’rith International takes pride in being a people-first organization and putting our core values at the center of every decision we make. Our top priority is the safety of our team members and the communities we serve. Though our staff around the world has transitioned to teleworking, we are still committed to working with our partners at the local, national and international levels during these challenging and uncertain times.

With our long history of advocating for seniors, we are paying particular attention to the impact of the coronavirus on older people. Our staff at our Center for Senior Services is working closely with all of our non-sectarian housing buildings to ensure safe practices are implemented and to mitigate the impact of this forced social isolation. 

Social distancing doesn’t apply to the internet, so we will be enhancing our digital and virtual offerings in the near term. Please visit our website and social media platforms for information in the coming weeks. Our important work won’t stop.

​We look forward to staying connected and seeing you soon. Wishing you good health…

Governor Cuomo Announces Completion of $34 Million Renovation Project to Preserve Affordable Housing for Seniors in the Bronx

8/27/2019

 
Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo sent out the following press release to announce the completion of renovations at a B'nai B'rith affordable senior housing community in the Bronx. 
Read at the Governor's Press Office

Ribbon Cutting Marks a Fresh Start for 100-Apartment Complex in Baychester and 40 More Years Guaranteed Affordability

Project HOPE Supports State's 'Health Across All Policies and Age-Friendly State' Initiatives by Preserving Affordable Homes for Seniors

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of renovations at Project HOPE, a 100-apartment senior housing development in the Bronx. The 25-year-old development underwent a $34 million rehabilitation, preserving the affordability for an additional 40 years. The apartments in the Baychester building are set aside for low-income households with at least one member aged 62 or older.

"All New Yorkers deserve the opportunity to live in good quality housing that they can afford, but it is particularly important for our seniors who are on fixed incomes," Governor Cuomo said. "Here in New York, we look after our seniors who have worked long and hard and deserve to be safe and secure at home in the communities they love."

"This renovation project will preserve affordable, quality housing options for older New Yorkers in the Bronx, ensuring they have the support services they need to lead healthy and secure lives," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "This project is part of our ongoing efforts to increase affordable housing across the state and combat homelessness in our communities. It also builds on our economic development efforts in the Bronx to revitalize the area and enhance overall quality of life." 

The $34 million investment in Project HOPE is part of the Governor's commitment to provide all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing through his unprecedented $20 billion, five-year housing plan. The plan is a comprehensive approach to statewide housing issues and includes multi-family and single-family housing and community development initiatives to make housing accessible and combat homelessness by building or preserving more than 100,000 affordable homes and 6,000 homes with supportive services.

Since 2011, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has invested more than $10 billion in the New York City region that has created or preserved affordable housing for more than 100,000 residents, including 14,600 apartments for over 37,000 people in the Bronx.

Project HOPE, located at 2050 Bartow Avenue, was originally constructed in 1992 as affordable housing for elderly and disabled households under the federal Section 202 program. The state's investment was used to finance the acquisition and renovation of the seven-story building to keep it affordable and in good condition over the long term.

 The apartments will continue to be covered by a project-based Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments contract with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure that the rents remain affordable for current and future tenants. All units are set aside for households with at least one member aged 62 or older or disabled, with incomes at or below 60 percent of the Area Medium Income.

The building has 25 studio and 74 one-bedroom apartments, along with a single two-bedroom unit for the on-site superintendent. All 100 apartments underwent renovation work and now have new bathrooms, kitchen cabinets, countertops and appliances with new lighting and painting throughout each unit. Exterior and common area renovations included upgraded security systems, smoke detectors, sprinklers, electrical, new masonry, replacement exterior doors, elevators, safety windows, plumbing infrastructure, boilers and pumps.
​
Project HOPE is in the northeast Bronx neighborhood of Baychester on the south side of Bartow Avenue and between Alcott Place and Co-op City Boulevard. Shopping is available across the street at the Bartow Mall. Public schools and houses of worship are also within walking distance, and public bus service is available along Bartow Avenue.
 
The developers are Connolly and Partners, B'nai B'rith Senior Housing and First Hartford Realty Corporation.
 
Funding provided by HCR to acquire and upgrade Project HOPE included $12 million in tax-exempt bonds, $10.5 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity and $4.3 million in subsidy and additional resources.
 
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Simply put, this project is an investment in our city's shared future. Preserving New York's existing affordable housing stock is integral to Governor Cuomo's comprehensive housing plan. The renovations to Project HOPE will improve the quality of life for over 100 seniors in the Bronx and allow them to live comfortably in the neighborhood they call home."
 
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "Ensuring our seniors have affordable and comfortable housing builds upon Governor Cuomo's commitment to the Health Across All Policies approach and making New York the most age-friendly state in the nation. Safe and affordable housing for our seniors is essential to improving their overall health, while allowing them to remain active in their community."
 
Acting Director of the New York State Office for the Aging Greg Olsen said, "I commend Governor Cuomo for his leadership and recognition that access to safe, affordable housing opportunities are paramount to living with autonomy in the community. This latest investment will help older adults remain connected to the vital community resources they need to remain healthy and engaged, and furthers New York's commitment as the first age-friendly state in the nation."
 
Senator Jamaal Bailey said, "I would like to thank Project HOPE, B'nai B'rith, and the New York State Homes and Community Renewal for their commitment in creating affordable housing units for seniors in the Co-op City neighborhood. Co-op City is the largest NORC in the country and serves its large senior population in various capacities, such as providing senior recreation, senior centers and events."
 
Assembly Member Michael Benedetto said, "I applaud NYS Homes and Community Renewal for taking the lead in the $34 million total renovation of B'nai B'rith's Project HOPE at 2050 Bartow Avenue, creating sorely needed affordable housing targeted to our low-income seniors. The project's Section 8 status will ensure this housing will remain affordable for many, many years to come."
 
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., said, "Low-income seniors are among the population most urgently in need of affordable housing. This project is a step in the right direction to fulfill the demand for affordable housing in our growing city, ensuring that our senior population can remain in the communities they call home as they enjoy their golden years. Thank you to New York State Homes & Community Renewal for addressing the needs of our community and for facilitating the sustainable growth of The Bronx."
 
Managing Partner of Connolly and Partners, LLC William Connolly said, "This is the second time Connolly and Partners, LLC has acquired a senior affordable property with B'nai B'rith Housing. Along with Governor Cuomo and HCR, we all have the same mission: the preservation of senior affordable housing. About 25 years ago, Connolly and Partners started making all of our properties affordable for perpetuity by deed restriction. We also started thinking of our properties as small towns and it is a great feeling to make every home in the town of Project Hope affordable for perpetuity."
 
President of Richman Capital Kevin Hoffman said, "Richman Housing Resources is honored to partner with First Hartford, Connolly and Partners LLC and B'nai B'rith Senior Citizens Housing on the rehabilitation of Project HOPE Apartments. This project is a prime example of how public-private partnerships, using federal low-income housing tax credit programs, can serve to preserve and maintain affordable senior housing in the Bronx. The project could not have been done without the support and expertise of New York State. We would like to thank our partner in this venture, Signature Bank, for their vision and commitment in investing to keep senior housing affordable."
 
Director of B'nai B'rith Housing, Inc., Mark Olshan said, "In today's economic climate, the ability to preserve and rehabilitate safe, supportive housing for lower-income seniors is paramount in providing for the next generation. B'nai B'rith is pleased to have been involved in the transformation of the Adelstein Family B'nai B'rith Apartments in keeping with our long-standing tradition of 'honoring thy mother and father.'"
 
President of Project HOPE Development Corporation Martin Adelstein said, "The Adelstein Family is honored and takes great pride in the redevelopment of the Project HOPE-Adelstein Family Building in the Bronx. Over 40 years ago our father, Bernie Adelstein, the founder and pioneer of Project HOPE, spearheaded this wonderful example of his commitment to establish affordable housing for seniors. On behalf of the Adelstein Family, we are grateful to our partners, B'nai B'rith, Connolly and Partners LLC and New York State for their support and commitment to provide and improve quality affordable housing for the seniors at the Bronx building."
 
Health Across All Policies and Age-Friendly State Initiative
​

Health Across All Policies is a collaborative approach that integrates health considerations into policymaking across all sectors to improve community health and wellness, recognizing that a community's greatest health challenges are complex and often linked with other societal issues that extend beyond healthcare and traditional public health activities. To successfully improve the health of all communities, health improvement strategies must target social determinants of health and other complex factors that are often the responsibility of non-health partners such as housing, transportation, education, environment, parks and economic development.
 
As directed by the Governor, this initiative is initially focusing efforts on creating age-friendly communities and policies. Incorporating policies that promote healthy aging will help State agencies to consider the needs of all populations and environments in which people live as they develop and implement new programs. The long-term goal is to engage all New York State agencies in a collaborative approach to embed health improvement and healthy aging policies as a focus of decision-making within all agencies. Learn more here.
 

B'nai B'rith Presents Donation to World Central Kitchen

8/23/2019

 
B’nai B’rith International presents a donation to World Central Kitchen. This donation comes from the B’nai B’rith International Disaster Relief Fund; the B’nai B’rith Disaster Relief Committee raised money specifically for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. This year, the Center for Senior Services held its annual Managers and Service Coordinator Training in Puerto Rico. Participants volunteered for a day of service at one of World Central Kitchen's partner farms, Siembra Tres Vidas, located in Aibonita, Puerto Rico. Managers and service coordinators mulched, planted eggplants and helped fertilize the land in a four-hour volunteer shift, ultimately saving two to three days of labor for the farmers. 

​For more information on the trip, click here. 

B’nai B’rith Center for Senior Services Unveils Renovations at Adelstein Family B’nai B’rith H.O.P.E Project

8/22/2019

 
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L to r: Alan Adelstein, Sherry Adelstein, Mark Olshan, Marty Adelstein, Marvin Siflinger, Rebecca Koepnick, Shirley Fearon, Dan Mariaschin
(Washington, D.C., August 22, 2019)--On Aug. 22, the B’nai B’rith Center for Senior Services held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil new renovations at the Adelstein Family B’nai B’rith H.O.P.E. Project in the Bronx, New York. Among other important modernizations, every affordable housing unit will now have its own air conditioner. Rebecca Koepnick, chief strategy officer for portfolio preservation, New York State Homes and Community Renewal; Daniel S. Mariaschin, CEO, B’nai B’rith International; William Connolly, managing partner, Connolly and Partners, LLC; Marty Adelstein, president, Project HOPE Development Corporation; and Shirley Fearon, staff assistant, Office of Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) spoke at the ceremony.
 
“In today’s economic climate, the ability to preserve and rehabilitate safe, supportive housing for lower income seniors is paramount in providing for the next generation of residents,” said Mark Olshan, B’nai B’rith International director of the Center for Senior Services. “B’nai B’rith is pleased to have been involved in the transformation of the Adelstein Family B’nai B’rith Apartments in keeping with our longstanding tradition of ‘honoring thy mother and father’!”
 
Constructed in 1992, the Adelstein Family B’nai B’rith H.O.P.E. Project was initially funded under the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program. It consists of 75 one-bedroom apartments and 25 studio apartments. Individual apartments include new bathrooms with new toilets and bathtubs: new kitchen cabinets, counters and appliances; and all-new lighting and painting throughout. Exterior and common area improvements include new masonry, exterior doors, elevator cabs, windows, plumbing stacks, boilers and pumps. Additionally, state-of-the-art smoke detectors and sprinklers were added, along with upgrades to the building’s electrical system and security cameras. 
 
Additionally, financial resources are now available to provide for a host of specific supportive and social services for the individual residents. Through partnerships with local service provider organizations, for the first time, residents will have access to referrals to community resources, supportive listening and casework services, as well as a host of new classes, workshops events and activities.
 
Funding for the project came from the sale of tax-exempt bonds issued by the New York State House Finance Agency through the sale of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).  This bipartisan program, initiated in 1986, is overseen by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is one of the few programs currently available to provide funds for the construction and preservation of supportive housing for low-income people.
 
At the ceremony, Mariaschin emphasized B’nai B’rith’s commitment to affordable housing for seniors: “We’re proud that B’nai B’rith’s decades-long tradition of providing safe and affordable housing for seniors continues in the Bronx. Our commitment to ensuring a dignified life for each and every resident, over nearly 50 years, stands behind every one of our projects.”

“We are pleased to renovate this fabulous Bronx development,” said B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman. “In doing so, B’nai B’rith and our partners take great pride in moving the earth once again for affordable and dignified senior living. In a borough known for home runs and championships, Project Hope no doubt will be a grand slam for generations.”

Marvin Siflinger, chair of the B’nai B’rith Center for Senior Services, said that “the redevelopment of Project Hope is an excellent example of a true public/private/non-profit partnership all working together to enhance the quality of life of our cherished senior citizens.  With our partners, B’nai B’rith expects to continue to improve the lives of many more lower income seniors.”
​
Marty Adelstein delivered this statement on behalf of Sherry and Alan Adelstein: "The Adelstein Family is honored and takes great pride in the redevelopment of the Project Hope-Adelstein Family Building in the Bronx. Over 40 years ago our father, Bernie Adelstein, was the founder and pioneer of this wonderful example of perseverance through government bureaucracy to ultimately realize his commitment to establish affordable housing for senior citizens.  On behalf of the Adelstein Family, we are grateful to our partners, B'nai B'rith and Connolly and Partners, LLC for their support and commitment to provide and improve quality affordable housing to the Senior Citizens at the Bronx Building." 
 
B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan Visits B'nai B'rith Senior Housing in Pennsylvania

8/16/2019

 
REP. CHRISSY HOULAHAN VISITS B’NAI B’RITH SENIOR HOUSING IN PENNSYLVANIA
 
(Washington, D.C., August 16, 2019)--Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.) toured B’nai B’rith House in Reading, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 15. She took a tour of the property that included two sample apartments, the library, the party room, the community room and sun room.
 
After taking a tour of the property, the congresswoman spoke to residents about how her office could address constituent services relating to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. In addition, she addressed policy updates relating to Social Security, Medicare and affordable housing. About 22 residents heard the congresswoman speak.
 
“Everyone should be able to live a life of dignity in our community,” said Houlahan. “I’m grateful for the work B’nai B’rith International is doing to provide senior citizens in Reading with affordable housing and their advocacy on issues concerning seniors and their families, diversity education, and helping communities in crisis.”
 
B’nai B’rith’s long history with affordable senior housing started in 1971, when we formed a partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to sponsor housing for low-income seniors. The B’nai B’rith Senior Housing Network in the United States comprises 38 buildings and serves some 5,000 people. B’nai B’rith International is the largest national Jewish sponsor of non-sectarian low-income housing for seniors.

Too often, Congress and the White House are debating policies that will inevitably cut important funding from federal programs that impact the lives of older Americans. Congressional visits like this allow B’nai B’rith housing residents the opportunity to be their own best advocates by speaking directly with their representative and making these lawmakers aware of the human faces and stories behind federal programs that benefit seniors.
 
B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org
​
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