Mary Immaculate Hosts HUD Officials

To mark the Golden Anniversary of the federal housing act that established affordable housing for seniors, Mary Immaculate Health/Care Services (MIHCS) hosted representatives from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development at the MI Residential facilities located at 189 Lawrence Street in Lawrence.

Fifty years ago, legislation was passed that funded Section 202 housing. Today, HUD oversees a network of over 8,000 properties with almost 400,000 units of affordable and supportive housing through this program, enabling seniors to age in place and live independently. MI Residential has been a participant in this program for 30 years.

MI Residential is an award-winning retirement community that includes 300 one- and two bedroom apartments. The community offers free parking, a transportation service and the support of 24 hour staffing. A variety of on-site services are also available for those who require additional personal assistance, and many employees are bi-lingual.

During the HUD visit, Maurice Barry, Director of Project Management from the New England Regional Office, presented officials at MIHCS with a Certificate of Appreciation from HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.

In accepting this award, Barbara Grant, President/CEO of MIHCS stated,” Because of our strong partnership with HUD, the MI Residential Community was selected to participate in some of the earliest HUD demonstration programs which later went on to become ‘hallmark’ programs nationwide. These enriched service programs have demonstrated that a broad array of services is needed to truly make such a housing community a home to the elders who reside there. Because of these wonderful service innovations, we have been able to create a secure, supportive and joyful living environment for Lawrence elders for three decades.”