(NAPSA)—Anational charity is taking steps to make housing in America more affordable by creating new housing communities, preserving existing properties and providing supportive services. The organization—Volunteers of America—wants to curb the growing number of low-income seniors, families, and people with disabilities who are unable to afford a decentplace to live. “Volunteers of America’s hous- ing communities allow our most vulnerable citizens to becomeselfsufficient and live independently in their communities,” said Charles Gould, national president and chief executive officer of Vol- unteers of America. “Our organization is proud of its progressive approach of pairing well-managed housing communities with customized and compassionate support services—an approach that differentiates us in the affordable housing arena.” Volunteers of America looks beyond the financing and acquisi- tion of a property and brings inno- vative support services to its resi- dents, including job training, Volunteers of America is creating affordable housing that links well-managed communities with compassionate support services. communities with over 17,000 units that are home to more than 20,000 people. The organization is also helping to rebuild the hurricane-ravaged communities in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region. Recently, it renovated and opened the Duvernay Residence for formerly homeless adults in New Orleans. The 70unit residence represents the beginning of the organization’s “Coming Back Home”initiative that is working toward the goal of creating more than 1,000 affordable housing rental units for work- ing families and residents of New youth developmental programs, health promotion services, meals, and social and recreational activi- Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. For more information about Volunteers of America’s affordable andits affiliates own and operate more than 300 affordable housing 0089 or visit www. Volunteersof America.org. ties. Nationally, the organization housing program, call 1-800-899-
