The Town of North Hempstead has received approximately $1 million in federal funding toward its Project Independence initiative, which provides senior residents with transportation and other services to assist them in aging in their homes.
Announced by Sen. Charles Schumer, the funding enables Project Independence to continue for three more years, as its transportation funding was due to expire at the end of 2015.
“This is such a crucial program because it allows seniors to age in place, which ultimately keeps neighborhoods stable, seniors active and saves the feds money in the long run,” Schumer said in a statement, adding the funding would cut costs needed to help seniors move to assisted living facilities.
Project Independence’s transportation system utilizes a mobility management staff and contracts with local taxi companies to take seniors to medical appointments, food shopping and other senior organizations and programs at no cost.
Project Independence serves an estimated 50,000 North Hempstead residents. Seniors represent approximately 23 percent of the town’s population.
In a statement, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said the funding would “provide a better quality of life for every senior in the Town of North Hempstead.”
“Without these options, a senior may be forced to move from their home and to lose their independence,” she said. “Imagine, something as simple as a ride to the supermarket meaning the difference between staying in your home and having to move to an assisted living facility.”
