Department of Housing and Community Development: January 31, 2002

DHCD Funds $400,000 in Renovations to Senior Citizen Services Building in Adams Morgan Community

Latino Community Services Provider Partners with DHCD to Renovate Spanish Senior Center

(Washington, DC) On Wednesday, January 30, 2002, the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Director Stanley Jackson, the Education Organization for the United Latin Americans Corporation's (EOFULA) Executive Director Ana Maria Neris, and President of the Board of Directors Angel Luis Irene, signed closing documents to fund $400,000 in renovations of the Spanish Senior Center located in Adams Morgan.

The building, located at 1842 Calvert Street, NW, is a prominent feature and a historic landmark in the Adams Morgan neighborhood. Today's closing was for a $250,000 grant and a $150,000 low interest loan to fund the renovation and expansion of EOFULA's, Spanish Senior Center Building. The Senior Center was purchased by EOFULA in 1976 and operated as the Spanish Center until it closed five years ago. The project calls for the construction of an annex, renovation, and expansion of the building. In addition, the exterior renovation will include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and handicap approved ramping; the interior renovation includes installation of an elevator and construction of handicap accessible bathrooms on each floor.

"Today, we're taking another step toward assisting organizations that serve in targeted communities," says Stanley Jackson, DHCD Director. During the lively closing session, Ms. Neris exclaimed, "I'm elated that it's finally happening! The needs of many more seniors in the Latino community will be met through the renovation of this building. I will be so excited on opening day!" During the next few weeks, EOFULA and DHCD will coordinate a groundbreaking ceremony. The renovations are set to be complete in late 2003.

DHCD supports these and other similar projects through a finely tuned formula of grants and loans to community based organizations. For more information, contact the Department of Development Finance on (202) 442-7280, Juanita C. Britton of DHCD at (202) 442-7243, or visit DHCD's website.