LONG ISLAND, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- May 25, 2007 -- You hear stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Meet Don Pius, newly elected Old Field Trustee and President of Pius Realty LTD. As one of Long Island's largest providers of Section 8 housing -- housing for economically disadvantaged people for which government vouchers cover the difference between what the renter can pay and actual rent -- he has both defenders and detractors.
What underlies his commitment to providing housing is that Pius, a real estate entrepreneur, loves Long Island. He has donated millions to the Huntington community and numerous nonprofit organizations that provide much-needed services to the same people who rent from him and to communities where his properties are located.
Many organizations have benefited from his generosity, including Huntington Station Enrichment Center, Huntington Community Development, Huntington Chamber Foundation, Family Service League, Rainbow Chimes, Harbor Country Day School and Habitat for Humanity. Pius also established an annual scholarship program which will provide students, who otherwise would not have the opportunity, a chance to attend college.
His rental units provide workforce housing for economically disadvantaged and other hard-working residents. And, by accepting Section 8 housing vouchers, he is bridging a huge gap for affordable housing by accepting lower than market value rent rates. Two-thirds of the monthly rental for Section 8 is paid by the government-sponsored program. Tenants pay one-third of what they would have to pay elsewhere. This means tenants can live in clean, safe environments as opposed to living in substandard conditions or becoming homeless. His properties are updated with new appliances, new kitchens, new bathrooms, new carpeting and other improvements. As a result, he offers the chance for stability to hundreds of people whose situations have been challenging.
With so many homes to oversee, Pius admits there may be certain challenges to face, especially when tenants vacate a unit and leave it in poor condition. But, as soon as he is aware of a situation, he sends a team of workers to clean, paint and make necessary repairs so that the home can be rented again. In fact, his units exceed the HUD requirements for rental units.
Pius explains, "I believe in the American dream. Everyone should have a place to call home, where they have a sense of comfort, safety and dignity. It's what any of us wants. And it's what I provide to some of our most vulnerable fellow citizens."
Contact Information: Contact: Alyssa Nightingale 631.367.8599
