On December 9th, the Board unanimously adopted a measure that would provide CHF funding to Luv Michael, a nonprofit organization dedicated to housing individuals on the spectrum and providing professional and educational opportunities. 

The measure, sponsored by Councilmember Michael Iasilli, who is liaison to the Town’s Disability Advisory Taskforce, was before the CHF Advisory Board for the last couple of years. Through extensive consideration, the application eventually moved to the Town Board. Within the CHF law, which was put together by the Town’s Housing Director Kara Bak, there are provisions allowing for CHF expenditures for disability housing. According to U.S. Health and Human Services, autism prevalence in the U.S. has increased from 1 in 36 children to 1 in 31. The need couldn’t be more relevant today. 

Councilmember Iasilli noted, "I was elated that the entire Town Board supported the CHF application for Luv Michael. The $630,000 will go toward paying down an existing mortgage on one of the properties belonging to the non-profit organization. More specifically, it will allow Luv Michael to continue to provide revolutionary care and services for those living on the spectrum. Not only am I proud to be the lead sponsor on this legislation, but I also commend the work Luv Michael has done. And this effort, in partnership with our municipality, may serve as a model for so many organizations and municipalities in the future who aim to assist people with disabilities."