KENNEWICK -- Modern Living Services is getting closer to creating a home in Kennewick for disabled adults, and any Tri-Citian can help simply by buying a Papa John's pizza Wednesday.
A month later, it will be Panda Express' turn as Tri-City operators of their two restaurant chains alternate donating 20 percent of their receipts to help build the Kennewick Perry Suites.
But a considerably bigger boost will come from the Benton County commissioners.
Modern Living Services stands to receive $300,000 from the county to apply toward its goal of creating the Kennewick Perry Suites, a 14-unit supportive housing complex for disabled adults, said Andrea Mallonee, nonprofit's president.
Modern Living Services has $1.8 million from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to pay for the project, but $2.9 million still is needed, Mallonee said.
"We still are looking for another $800,000," she said.
The cost includes building the complex, subsidizing rent and property management and maintenance for 40 years, Mallonee said.
The group was formed by area families who saw the need for affordable housing for disabled adults and other services such as respite care, which provides relief for caregivers of disabled people.
There will be an on-site care provider who would help residents with everything from paying bills and getting groceries to providing emotional support, Mallonee said. Modern Living Services plans to work with other community groups for that service, she said.
Rent may be as low as $100 a month, which would significantly help disabled adults living on Social Security, Mallonee said. When people are living on Social Security and have to pay up to $600 in rent, it leaves little for other living expenses, she said.
Modern Living Services is applying for other grants and actively fundraising, she said. It hopes to receive a state housing trust fund grant.
More information
On the second Wednesday of each month, Papa John's and Panda Express in Tri-Cities will alternate donating 20 percent of the day's proceeds to the Modern Living Services' Kennewick Perry Suites project.
The fundraiser starts Wednesday with Papa John's. People must note "Modern Living Services" when placing the order either online, on the phone or in person.
To help, call Andrea Mallonee at 509-947-0704.
* Kristi Pihl: 509-582-1512; kpihl@tricityherald.com
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.