Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $59,481 in federal funding for People Inc. to implement a smoke detector replacement campaign and install kitchen stove fire suppression equipment in their facility for seniors and families with disabilities. The funding is allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
“With this funding, People Inc. can continue their work with seniors and people with disabilities with proper fire safety equipment installed,” said Senator Schumer. “By teaching about the importance of replacing smoke detectors and preventing kitchen fires, People Inc. will prevent emergencies and keep locals who use their facility safe.”
“This is an important investment for People Inc. and their residents,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It’s our responsibility to ensure our seniors and families with special needs have access to the safest facilities possible. The new smoke detectors and fire suppression equipment will help People Inc. upgrade their services to help keep their residents safe.”
“We want to do everything we can to make sure the people we provide housing for, whether it is the 800 plus seniors we provide affordable housing to or the almost 1,000 individuals with developmental disabilities that live in our group homes, are as safe as possible,” said James Boles, President and CEO, People Inc. “Working with Senator Gillibrand and the federal government to obtain these critical fire safety funds creates a safer environment for seniors in their apartments and folks in their group homes while at the same time giving their loved ones peace of mind knowing they’re in good hands.”
People Inc. is a human services agency that provides residential, employment, community outreach, health care and recreational programs for low income seniors as well as families with developmental disabilities throughout Western New York. People Inc. will use the federal funds to implement a door-to-door smoke detector campaign and install kitchen stove fire suppression equipment in residential units.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Program, established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations and reduce injury and save lives.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department’s United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/ .