The $8.3 million Valley Cares assisted living and independent living project has been awarded over $6.5 million in federal and state grants and tax credits. Beginning with a $1.2 million grant from HUD, the project has since received commitment of funds from the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, the Vermont Community Development Program (in collaboration with the town of Townshend) and tax credits of $3.5 million from the Housing Finance Agency.

Applications have been submitted for additional funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Holt Fund, and HUD Special Purpose funding through Senator Patrick Leahy’s office.

An Act 250 application is in the works; the 24 units of independent housing and 28 units of assisted living will be built on the 9.8 acre Kronemeyer property, just north of Grace Cottage on Route 35. Construction is expected to begin in May 2006 and reach completion in spring/summer of 2007. Residents of Heins Home will move to the new Valley Cares assisted living facility at that time. If there is sufficient demand for an Adult Day program at the new facility, there is space allocated and a program may be re-instated at that time. For more information about Valley Cares, call Bob Crego, Project Developer, at 365-7920 x164.