Ortt, Lifetime Assistance Announce $2.5 Million for Integrated Housing

Town of Sweden – Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I – North Tonawanda) today announced $2.5 million in state funding has been secured for the proposed Frances Apartments in the Town of Sweden. The 56-unit housing facility will integrate individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and working families with low to moderate incomes. With state assistance secured, including an additional $661,000 from the state Homes and Community Renewal agency, plans to build the apartment complex are now underway.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Mental Health and Developmental and Disabilities State Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I – North Tonawanda) said, “There has been overwhelming support for this housing unit in the Town of Sweden, and I’m so pleased to help move plans along for this much needed housing project. Frances Apartments will increase access to affordable and supportive housing for New Yorkers, and help to provide independence to our most vulnerable residents in the I/DD communities. I look forward to seeing this project take shape, and am hopeful it will not only help the economy thrive, but also help its tenants thrive.”    

This project is one of the first housing developments in Monroe County that incorporates supported, mixed-income housing and community-based, integrated housing for I /DD individuals. Fourteen units will be set aside for I/DD individuals.

The project is consistent with the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities’ (OPWDD) Transformation Plan to provide integrated, less restrictive housing options for individuals with I/DD and supportive housing. The regional OPWDD wait list has up to 685 individuals looking for housing with supportive services.

The Frances Apartments project is working with Lifetime Assistance, Inc. for occupancy referral and to deliver supportive services to tenants with I/DD.

James Branciforte, President of Lifetime Assistance, Inc. noted, “Senator Ortt has provided exceptional leadership in furthering New York’s commitment to include citizens with developmental disabilities and working families in realizing the security and dignity of a safe place to call home. Senator Ortt’s hard work on this project and commitment to community inclusiveness through affordable, accessible housing in the Brockport and Monroe County communities, will directly  improve lives by meeting this most fundamental and basic of human needs – a warm and safe home.”

Frances Apartments will be located at 200 Owens Road in the Town of Sweden and is “shovel ready.” Construction is expected to start within six months.