NEWS RELEASE

United States Department of Agriculture • Rural Development

1221 College Park Drive, Suite 200, Dover, DE  19904

Phone: (302) 857-3580 • Fax: (302) 857-3640 • TDD: (302) 857-3585 • Web: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

 

 

SENIOR CENTER RECEIVES USDA ASSISTANCE

               

Greenwood, DE August 5, 2008 – Congressman Mike Castle and USDA Rural Development State Director Marlene Elliott Brown announced a $1 million dollar loan that is helping to construct the CHEER Senior Center located on Schulze Road at the intersection of Route 13 and Route 16. 

                        

            “There is a real need in Sussex County for these kinds of services, and CHEER is making a difference in the lives of so many seniors,” said Congressman Castle.  “I am pleased that USDA Rural Development is supporting this effort, and I am honored to be here today to meet some of the folks who are benefiting from this service, and thank all of the people involved.”

                                      

According to a recent Statewide Housing Needs Assessment prepared by the Delaware State Housing Authority, the state’s oldest population resides in Sussex County, where the median age of the population is 42.4 years old.  This is consistent with the concentration of retirement communities near the shore. 

 

CHEER operates nine nutrition sites, seven CHEER centers and two independent senior centers throughout Sussex County.  The new senior center that is under construction will replace, and nearly double in size, the current center that has outgrown its purpose.  USDA Rural Development is supporting the construction of the CHEER Senior Center through two loan programs.  It is providing $500,000 through the community facility direct loan program, and the Bank of Delmarva is providing $500,000 with the support of Rural Development’s community facilities guaranteed loan program.  The purpose of the guaranteed loan program is to reduce the risk that private lenders take in the event a borrower defaults on the loan.  In this case, USDA Rural Development, will if necessary, guarantee up to 90 percent of loss of principal and interest on the loan.

 

            “Senior Centers are the hub of activity for many individuals age 50 and over,” said Elliott Brown.  “CHEER promotes well being, fun and fellowship for all who walk through their doors.  What we do at USDA Rural Development is to help improve the quality of life and increase economic opportunity in rural America, and what better way to return the people’s money than to strengthen a community senior center.”

 

            In addition to the social interaction and educational opportunities that are available at the center, the Greenwood CHEER provides Meals on Wheels to some 30 homebound seniors and the number is increasing everyday.  “CHEER is extremely grateful to USDA Rural Development for making this project possible,” said Arlene Littleton, Executive Director, CHEER.  “In these challenging times, senior centers have become the focal point of many communities, and Greenwood will be a model for Sussex County and for Delaware.  This center will enrich the lives of many, with programs and services to help older adults stay healthy, active and involved in the community.”                                                 

            It is estimated that the new center will be completed in September.  Anyone interested in the services that are provided by CHEER can contact the Greenwood center at 302-349-5237.

 

            USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities.  Last year, the agency returned more than $42 million to rural Delaware.  They have more than 40 programs that support agriculture, business opportunities, home ownership, home repair, rental housing, broadband technology, public safety, health care, education, social and cultural needs and energy related projects.  Additional information on rural programs is available by calling their Georgetown Office at (302) 856-3990, ext. 5 or by visiting their website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

 

 

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                                                                        Committed to the future of rural communities.

 

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