Notice of Funds Available for Home Modifications Supports Aging at Home

Posted on September 1, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

This week, US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge visited Minnesota to announce the availability of new funding for the Older Adult Home Modification Program. The federal government will provide an additional $15 million to help senior citizens across the country upgrade their homes so they can continue to live in them safely.

What is the Older Adult Home Modification Program?

The Older Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP) assists experienced nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and public housing authorities in launching comprehensive programs that make safety and functional home modifications to meet the needs of low-income elderly homeowners. The home modification program aims to enable low-income elderly persons to remain in their homes through low-cost, low-barrier, high-impact home modifications. The updates work to:

• Reduce older adults’ risk of falling
• Improve general safety
• Increase accessibility
• Improve their functional abilities in their home.

This will enable older adults to remain in their homes, to “age in place,” with modifications such as grab bars, ramps, and new appliances.

Impact of OAHMP

Federal housing officials said they estimate the new funding will help cover upgrades to roughly 1,800 homes across the nation. To qualify, people need to be at least 62 years old and make 80% or less of the area median income, which officials said translates to about $85,000 for a family of four.

More Information at AgeWellAtHome.org

The local program is being administered through Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. The organization has launched a website, agewellathome.org, for people interested in obtaining more information about the application process.

These funds may be helpful to qualifying family members of current residents, to Adult Day Service clients, and as a resource for those able to discharge home after a stay in a care setting.