Elderly Middleburg area residents who are unable to meet their monthly rent payments will be able to count on The Windy Hill Foundation, the Piedmont Community Foundation and HCA Virginia for the financial help they need. Hospital Corporation of America recently presented a $60,000 donation to endow the fund that will ensure that elderly residents of the planned Levis Hill House do not have to worry about losing their residence.

Kim Hart of Windy Hill Foundation and Karen Krei, Executive Director of Piedmont Community Foundation accepted the HCA check from Megan Descutner, Director of Community and Government Relations for HCA Virginia.

"HCA Virginia and Broadlands deserve special credit for giving the opening gift to begin what we are calling the Windy Hill Senior Scholarship Program," said Hart. "It takes leadership and vision to begin a new program that is very much needed."

Construction is planned to begin on the $4.5 million facility in the summer of 2007 so the fund must be established now to ensure that money is available to help residents as soon as the new facility opens.

It is critical that the private sector step up to help because the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development {HUD} has announced that it must reduce financial support for low-income housing in Loudoun County. Although there are more than 1,200 households on the waiting list for HUD rent support vouchers in Loudoun, in the past five years, HUD has allocated only one new voucher in the county.

Housing in the planned Levis Hill House will offer apartments in the $450 range for a single unit, but many elderly residents in the area, especially those who have only Social Security income, can afford no more than $250 per month for housing. With a Windy Hill Senior Scholarship, elderly residents in need will receive the additional funds they need to cover their monthly rent.

"Windy Hill's mission is to keep affordable, decent housing for residents who need it. This dovetails perfectly with HCA's commitment to the care and improvement of human life," said Descutner.

Steve Delong, PCF board member, complimented HCA Virginia for being a responsive corporate citizen. "HCA is actively engaged in meeting diverse community needs outside of Broadlands Regional Medical Center's walls."

Organizations and individuals wishing to make a donation to the Windy Hill Senior Scholarship fund should contact Kim Hart at Windy Hill, 540 687 5866, or Karen Krei at the Piedmont Community Foundation, 540 687 5223.