COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING/CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING - CONSTRUCTION - HOWARD CENTER PROPOSES A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT WITH EQUIPMENT. WE PLAN TO CONSTRUCT A PURPOSE-BUILT, ENVIRONMENTALLY EFFICIENT, AND ACCESSIBLE LONG-TERM OR PERMANENT HOME OF NEARLY 8,000 SQUARE FEET FOR 16 AGING ADULTS WHOSE MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THEM TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AND SAFELY. THE BUILDING THAT CURRENTLY HOUSES THE LAKEVIEW HOUSE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM DOES NOT MEET CLIENT NEEDS, IS EXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN, AND CARRIES WITH IT THE MONTHLY COST OF LEASE PAYMENTS. AN APPROPRIATE AND EFFICIENT ENVIRONMENT WILL IMPROVE THE LIVES AND OUTCOMES FOR RESIDENTS, ADD VALUE TO VERMONT'S MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM OF CARE FOR YEARS TO COME, AND ELIMINATE THE COST OF A LEASE FROM HOWARD CENTER'S OBLIGATIONS. THIS IS THE ONLY PROJECT PLANNED FOR THIS AWARD.