On May 2, By the River was approved unanimously by the Board of Directors of Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) for approximately $5 million. This approval also allowed Indian River County to release a $1.25 million matching grant. All of these funds will be used for construction of By the River, a non-profit affordable elder housing development. The Florida Legislature created FHFC over 25 ago years to help Floridians obtain safe, decent housing that might otherwise be unavailable to them.

By the River President Durga Das Hutner and Project Manager Tara Dickinson attended the Board meeting in Tallahassee. With site work under way and a waiting list of 72 people for this 41-unit development, the timing could not be more perfect.

One hundred percent of these units are set-aside for low-income residents. This currently means that seniors over the age of 62 who earn less than $23,000 per year (these rates are updated and changed on a yearly basis by H.U.D.) can apply to live at By the River.

By the River is the first-of-its-kind residence in this community to get this type of state funding. With four, ten-unit buildings, it is unique in its physical construction; in its efforts to build 'green' and energy efficient; and in its methods of program outreach and care giving. These unique programs, called "Compassion Works", are being further developed to serve as training curricula for caregivers around the country.

In addition, the John's Island Foundation, which supports non-profit organizations in Indian River County, has just awarded By the River $50,000. These monies will be used for 40-year energy star shingle roofs. Other local support was provided by the Sebastian Clambake Foundation, which presented By the River with $30,000 from proceeds of the 2005 Clambake.

How can you get involved? For construction, BTR needs in-kind donations of all building materials. For the interior, BTR is looking for 41 of each item that would be in an apartment, from toilets, to mini-microwaves, and all other furnishings. Or get involved in the community garden. There is also the "Buy-A-Brick" program. Please visit by-the-river.org for more information.

Once infrastructure has been completed, vertical construction is anticipated to begin in less than 3 months. By the River is planning on a Grand Opening in the Fall of 2009.

Durga Das is grateful to our local community for its continued support and prayers for the many seniors living alone. Together we are in the process of creating an amazing home for our elders.