Boston (AP)- The parents are dead, on drugs, in jail, off where nobody knows. Grandma is left to raise her grandchildren. With the number of such families skyrocketing nationally, Boston is constructing what's billed as the nation's first public housings for grandparents raising their grandchildren. Grandfamilies House," a complex of 26 apartments, will be handicapped accessible for the elders and toddler-proofed for the youngsters. Developers said it would offer a network of support for- families struggling with some very different generational needs.

"I think this is a miracle," said Elizabeth Hick, 58, who is raising her three grandchildren two by her son, one by her daughter. Her 12-year-old granddaughter Asia Harris has lived with her since she was three days- old. Her mother said, 'Will you baby-sit a couple hours?" " I've had her since," Hicks said at the groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday,

Hicks said she is glad this special home will be available if she needs it. Hicks, whose vision and kidneys have been impaired from diabetes, said Asia often worries about her health. "She tells me, 'Oh, grandmother-, Please don't die,'" Hicks said. "Please don't let anything happen to you."

About 400 Support groups offer advice to grandparents raising their children's children, although Boston's housing development is unique, experts say. Government and private dollars are contributing to tile $4 million housing complex, which is being built on the site of an abandoned nursing, home in an inner-city Boston neighborhood. For the seniors, there will be elevators, ramps and grab bars in tile apartments, which are scheduled to open in a year. For the children, there will BC safety electrical outlets, window guards and storage areas for toxic household products Large bay windows will let grandparents keep watchful eyes on their youngsters playing in the park out back-. Programs run by the YMCA will teach everything from computers to aerobics - to both age groups.

Residents will pay rents equal to 30 percent of their family income in some cases that could be as much as $375 a month. Of 50 child-rearing grandparents interviewed for a recent Boston study, all had incomes below $15,000 a year. Money isn't the only problem, Some seniors find their apartments won't allow young children. Others can't get food stamps or adequate medical care for the children.

We wish this great project lots of luck and follow this story closely.

Resources

AARP Grandparent Information Center has comprehensive information to help grandparents raising grandchildren. Call 202-434-2296. www.aarp.org.

Generations United. www.gu.org.

State of Maine. www.kinshipconnections.org.

See chapters on "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren" in "Grandparent Power," and "Contemporary Grandparenting" in "Book" section.

Se books on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in the "Books" section