The Honorable Guy Vander Jagt
U.S. House of Representatives
2409 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-2209

Dear Congressman Vander Jagt:

     Your letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development on behalf of your constituent, James P. Durfee, was
referred to this Department for response.

     Mr. Durfee requested information on the existence of grants
and low-interest loans for use in making Sugar Ridge Church of
the Brethren accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Religious entities are exempt from the provisions of the
Americans with Disabilities Act. 42 U.S.C. S 12187. This
exemption applies to religious organizations or entities
controlled by religious organizations and includes places of
worship. It is, therefore, unlikely that Mr. Durfee's church
would be required to undergo barrier removal in order to comply
with the ADA.

     Officials of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
have informed us that they do not have grants which they issue
directly to churches for the purpose of removing barriers to
accessibility. It may, however, be possible to obtain funding
from a state or local government which receives community
development block grants.

     Mr. Durfee may be interested in "That All May Worship", a
handbook published by the National Organization on Disability.
It provides information on accommodating persons with
disabilities in religious settings. Copies of the handbook may
be obtained from the Religious and Disability Program, National
Organization on Disability, 910 16th Street, N.W., Suite 600,
Washington, D.C. 20006. They may be reached by telephone at
(202) 293-5960 or (800) 248-ABLE.

cc: Records: Chrono: Wodatch: Russo: McDowney:
    Cong.Vanderjagt













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     I hope this information is of assistance to you in
responding to your constituent's request.

                                             Sincerely,




                                            John R. Dunne
                                      Assistant Attorney General
                                         Civil Rights Division








































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                                                       James P. Durfee
                                                       411 S. Main Street
                                                       Scottville, MI 49454





                                                       March 25, 1992
Representative Guy VanderJagt
2409 Rayburn Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Representative VanderJagt:

The Sugar Ridge Church of the Brethren is a small rural area
church in Mason County, MI. We are in the process of trying
to make our church barrier free but need some guidance and
assistance.

Please send me any information or direct me to the proper
resources on low interest loans or grants that may be
available to help complete this proposed project.

A response within two weeks would be appreciated.

Sincerely,



JAMES P. DURFEE
Church Board Chairperson



















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