Community Development Corp of Long Island receives $25,000 grant from the Long Island Real Estate Group

Community Development Corp. of Long Island (CDCLI) was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Long Island Real Estate Group (LIREG) recently at the organization's Networking Breakfast held at the Old Westbury Golf & Country Club. The funding will help support capital improvements to CDCLI's 10 single-family homes that provide permanent, affordable rental accommodations for former homeless families with disabilities or other families referred by the Suffolk County Department of Social Services. All households receive case management services that support increasing life skills and financial stability, in addition to affordable rents through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. "We are extremely grateful to the Long Island Real Estate Group for their generous donation," said Marianne Garvin, President & CEO, CDCLI. "This grant will leverage existing funds that will be used for energy efficiency updates, capital repairs and weatherization initiatives that are needed due to the age of the properties and wear and tear from 10 years of consistent occupancy. This work will increase the health, safety, energy efficiency and, cost savings for these 10 formerly homeless families." "LIREG takes great pride in identifying and supporting charitable real estate related projects on Long Island," said Peter Schapero, LIREG VP and Chairman of the Charity Committee. "It is our responsibility to support the communities in which we live and work, and are proud to be a part of the meaningful work that Community Development Corporation of Long Island brings to the individuals and families it serves." These capital improvements will improve the functionality, health and safety, and comfort of the homes for all of the residents. The energy conservation components of the rehabilitation work will accomplish cost savings to the tenants, who are responsible for their own utility payments. A full weatherization job is estimated to provide approximately 25% reduction in energy usage and costs, a substantial impact on these families' budgets. Community Development Corporation of Long Island (CDC) is a not-for-profit organization that supports Long Islanders pursuing their housing and small business dreams. Since its inception 42 years ago, CDC invests its resources, talents and knowledge in households, small business and communities by assisting more than 111,500 Long Islanders and investing $844million into their communities. Last fiscal year alone, CDC served more than 18,500 Long Islanders investing nearly $91 million into their communities.