Allston, MA, February 28, 2008 --(
PR.com)-- MHPI will move forward with its plans for the renovation of the former David Prouty Intermediate School located in Spencer, MA, thanks to approval of funding from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). While MHPI has already secured 5.4 million dollars in project support from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, they have been waiting for secondary funding of 2.4 million to come through before starting construction on the property.
MHPI CEO Sheldon Bycoff was extremely pleased with the announcement by DHCD: “This is a very exciting day for MHPI. We have been waiting to hear about this, and with the help of a lot of great people, we can now move forward and hopefully see this project come to fruition soon.”
The plans for the project include renovating the former David Prouty Intermediate School in Spencer into 35 units for very-low-income elderly populations. The town of Spencer and its Selectboard has been an integral part of the process. Vincent Cloutier, Chairman of the Spencer Selectboard also conveyed his joy: “On behalf of the Town, I want to express our delight that the final piece of funding is now in place, and this long-awaited project can get underway. When completed, it will be a much-needed resource for our low-income elders.”
While this is a local project, acquiring the needed funding has come with the help of many local and state politicians. “I am delighted to hear that Mental Health Programs, Inc will be able to accommodate the elderly with this much needed low income housing project,” stated Senator Stephan M. Brewer. “I congratulate the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for working with MHPI staff to fund this proposal.” MHPI CEO Bycoff commented on his thanks: “This has truly been a joint effort and we want to thank all of the elected and appointed officials in Spencer for selecting our project and working so diligently with us to help make this idea a reality.”
The next step will be to work with HUD and DHCD to close on the financing. Once that is completed, construction will begin, scheduled for late spring to early summer.
About MHPI – For over 30 years, MHPI, a private non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation has been developing and providing affordable housing for special populations. With several locations in the Greater Boston and central Massachusetts area, MHPI strives to provide a center of well being for its residents and the community at large.
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