HARRISBURG, Pa. — Governor Tom Corbett yesterday announced that the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) awarded Mercer County a $300,000 Keystone Communities Accessible Housing grant that will help county residents living with permanent physical disabilities make necessary modifications to remain in their homes.

“By providing this support, we are helping Mercer County individuals with permanent physical disabilities to remain in their homes safely,” said Gov. Corbett.

The Mercer County Regional Planning Commission (MCRPC) will administer the program with Lawrence County Social Services, Inc. The Keystone Communities grant will provide funding to support a county-wide Accessible Housing Program in Mercer County to assist homeowners with permanent physical disabilities who wish to make adaptive modifications to their home.

“Mercer County is very appreciative to DCED for the Keystone Communities grant,” said Chris Conti, Senior Planner, Mercer County Regional Planning Commission. “This grant will enable us to undertake accessibility improvements to housing units for residents with permanent physical disabilities.”

It is expected that 38 low-and-moderate-income households will receive assistance to make accessibility improvements to their home.

The Keystone Communities Accessible Housing Program’s goals are to expand individuals’ living options, promote health and safety, and increase their ability to function effectively and more independently in their home.

For more information about the Keystone Communities program and other community development initiatives, visit www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.