The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $30 million to 32 nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, as well as public housing authorities to assist elderly homeowners with home repairs and modifications, ensuring they age in place safely.
“Today, we are renewing our commitment to improving the lives of older adults,” said HUD secretary, Marcia L. Fudge. “The funding provided today will enable low-income elderly persons to remain in their homes and will reduce their risk of falling, improve their general safety, increase accessibility, and improve their functional abilities in their home.”
The funding will be provided by HUD’s Older Adults Home Modification Program (OAHMP), allowing low-income seniors to stay in their homes through low-cost home modifications that reduce safety hazards, such as the risk of falling. Low-cost modifications include the installation of grab bars, railings, and lever-handle door knobs. Seniors can also receive inexpensive adaptive equipment, like non-slip strips for the shower or stairs.
This initiative will prevent seniors from being forced to move into nursing homes or assisted care facilities before they are ready. Instead, they can make their home more adaptive and safer with a few extra modifications. The nonprofits that will receive HUD’s funding plan to distribute the money to more than 5,000 qualified beneficiaries, especially in communities with more rural populations.
“There is a strong connection between health and housing,” said Matthew Ammon, director of HUD’s office of lead hazard control and healthy homes. “These grants provide a critical resource to communities to make low-cost, low barrier, high impact home modifications tailored to the needs of the residents.”
Click here to see the complete project-by-project summary of all the programs awarded grants.
