The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $13.2 million in affordable-housing grants for four projects in Coventry, Warwick and Westerly, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced yesterday.

“This federal aid is targeted to help vulnerable citizens with limited resources find a safe, decent place to live,” Reed said in a statement. “It also helps refurbish old properties and creates more affordable housing. This initiative is geared towards providing these individuals with the resources they need to maintain self-sufficiency and is a wise investment in our communities.”

The money, from federal programs to help individuals live independently in a safe and supportive environment, will be used as follows:

•$4.9 million to build 34 one-bedroom units for the very-low-income elderly in Coventry. The project, by the Coventry Housing Association Corporation, also will receive $480,300 for three years of rental subsidies. The housing will be adjacent to two projects owned by the Coventry Housing Authority, giving residents the opportunity to interact with residents there and take advantage of support services at the public housing developments.

•$5.2 million to build 34 one-bedroom units for the very-low-income elderly and frail elderly in Warwick. The project, by the Saint Elizabeth Community, also will get $480,300 for three years of rental subsidies. The site is next to an adult daycare center, which will provide services to residents.

•$724,300 to rehabilitate a convalescent home into five units of housing for very-low-income people with disabilities in Warwick. The project, by the House of Hope Community Development Corporation, also will get $70,800 for three years of rental subsidies.

•$1.3 million to build eight independent-living units for low-income people with disabilities and their families in Westerly. The project, by WARM Inc., also will get $113,100 for three years of rental subsidies.

pparker@projo.com