Cedar Sinai Park Receives Award to Build Affordable Housing for Very Low-Income People With Disabilities

A 2009 schematic drawing of Kehillah Housing

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced it competitively awarded $2,035,800 to Cedar Sinai Park to construct and operate accessible housing, provide rental assistance, and facilitate supportive services for very low-income persons with disabilities.

Kehillah Housing will be a 2-story, 14-apartment building on Cedar Sinai Park’s Southwest Portland campus, offering adults with developmental disabilities affordable housing and access to an array of social services that support their ability to live independently in the community. An important component of Kehillah Housing is its focus on supporting residents’ inclusion into the community through social activities and supported employment. Life skills training will also be available to assist residents with their successful transition.

According to Cedar Sinai Park CEO David Fuks, “The development of Kehillah Housing is a priority of our organization. This new venture will provide us the capacity to serve our community even better. We are grateful to National Council of Jewish Women, Wayne D. Kuni and Joan E. Kuni Foundation, Jerry and Helen Stern and the Stern Family, as well as many other donors for their support.”

HUD awarded the grant under the Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act, which provided enhancements and reforms in HUD’s Section 811 program. The Act provides federal assistance that is better leveraged and better connected to state and local health care investments, allowing greater numbers of vulnerable elderly and disabled individuals to access the housing they need even more quickly.

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said, “The Obama Administration is committed to helping our senior citizens and persons with disabilities find a decent, affordable place to live that is close to needed healthcare services and transportation.”

Partnering on the project with Cedar Sinai Park is Jewish Family and Child Service of Portland. The project is expected to create up to 40 jobs in constructions and operation.

Consider supporting low-income adults with developmental disabilities in their transition to independent living. Donate online now. Thank you for your generosity!