Rebuilding Together Saratoga County awarded $1M

WASHINGTON >> The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently awarded $30 million to 32 nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and public housing authorities to assist in undertaking comprehensive programs that make safety and functional home modifications and limited repairs to meet the needs of low-income elderly homeowners that allow them to age in place.

Included among those awarded grant funds was Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, which has been awarded $1 million to help low-income older adult homeowners with repairs and accessibility modifications to their homes.

Provided through HUD’s Older Adults Home Modification Program (OAHMP), these grants allow low-income seniors to stay in their homes through low-cost home modifications that will reduce older adults’ risk of falling. Examples of these home modifications include the installation of grab bars, railings, and lever-handled doorknobs and faucets, as well as the installation of adaptive equipment, such as non-slip strips for tub/shower or stairs.

These investments will enable older adults to remain in their homes — to “age in place” — rather than move to nursing homes or other assisted care facilities.

Experienced nonprofit organizations, state and local governments and public housing authorities that received funding will deliver home modification services to more than 5,000 qualified beneficiaries and serve communities with substantial rural populations.