CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION IN NEW FEDERAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT LOCAL SENIORS

(Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle was at Episcopal SeniorLife Communities (ESLC) alongside local leaders to celebrate Older Americans Month by announcing $1 million in federal funding he secured to support ESLC’s Ellen’s Place project in Irondequoit. The project is designed to help seniors age in place in East Irondequoit and provide the support and structure they deserve in their later years.

“For far too long, Irondequoit has suffered from a lack of affordable senior housing, resulting in many seniors feeling forced to leave the safety and security of their families, loved ones, doctors, and routines to find housing that fits their needs,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Thanks to the work of Episcopal SeniorLife Communities’ ‘Ellen’s Place’ project—supported with $1 million I helped secure in Washington—we’re starting to put an end to these disruptions and provide peace of mind for our seniors. I’m grateful to ESLC for their dedication and partnership on this mission, and I look forward to our continued work together to support older Rochesterians.”

“The Town of Irondequoit has a large and growing number of older adults. Ellen’s Place will bring additional safe, affordable housing, supportive services, and recreational and health program opportunities to these older adults” said Lisa Marcello, President and CEO of Episcopal SeniorLife Communities. “We are incredibly grateful for the support and partnership of Congressman Morelle, who has been a consummate national advocate for older adults, especially in Rochester. The Congressman is always available to listen to ideas and takes action! This level of funding is extraordinary as we create affordable solutions to help older adults age in their neighborhoods.”

“We’re highly appreciative of Congressman Morelle’s investment in the Episcopal SeniorLife Communities’ “Ellen’s Place” project here in the Town of Irondequoit,” said Irondequoit Town Supervisor Andraé Evans. “Our seniors deserve to age in place, surrounded by a community that they know and are familiar with, which is exactly what ESLC’s Ellen’s Place will provide. I look forward to watching this project come to fruition and seeing our seniors continue to thrive in Irondequoit.”

Ellen’s Place is ESLC’s newest independent living development, which will open to seniors in Fall 2024. The community is located behind St. Cecilia Church in East Irondequoit and will consist of 74 apartments, health and wellness programs through ESLC’s Neighborhood Program, and opportunities for residents to relax and socialize in the café, community kitchen and fitness area.

Through his role on the House Committee on Appropriations, Congressman Morelle worked to secure this federal funding as part of the Community Project Funding process in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.

Read more about the projects included in this legislation here, and read the full project proposal for Ellen’s Place here.

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