Comunicados de Prensa

With a cost of $937,000 and a contribution of more than $530,000 in CDBG-DR recovery funds from the Department of Housing, the project to install solar panels at the El Zorzal Apartments multi-family complex in San Juan will begin.

Accompanied by the Secretary of the Interior, Noelia García, the Secretary of Housing, William Rodríguez Rodríguez, made the announcement from the housing complex, which is managed by the nonprofit organization Lucha Contra el Sida, Inc., and provides transitional housing to people in vulnerable situations and in need of special accommodations.

Rodríguez Rodríguez stated that "affordable housing is a right for everyone and a commitment of Governor Pedro Pierluisi's administration. These vulnerable populations who receive assistance from projects like El Zorzal should know that they have the support of the government of Puerto Rico. Through recovery funds, we are contributing to the development of an island with more housing opportunities that improve the quality of life of those who need it most."

The CDBG-DR Affordable Housing Program creates and rehabilitates housing units for homeless individuals, seniors, victims of domestic violence, people with disabilities, people living with HIV, or recovering from addiction.

The $537,057 investment will include the installation of photovoltaic (PVS) systems for the benefit of its residents. These installations will contribute to providing the population served with a safer living space.

El Zorzal Apartments consists of 24 one- and two-bedroom permanent supportive housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness.

The improvements to the electrical systems of these structures in El Zorzal and the implementation of renewable energy systems will allow the populations in affordable housing to have a modern, resilient, and safe place to live and receive the services they need.

Additionally, residents receive in-home services tailored to their circumstances, including case management, primary health care, mental health services, education and outreach programs, medical evaluations, support groups, job training, transportation, among others.

The Social Assistance Housing Program is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Housing and implemented by eligible non-governmental organizations. These entities submitted their proposals and were evaluated based on their capacity to manage CDBG-DR funds.