Having home repairs done can be expensive, and in many cases, it is the only option for seniors who are not able to repair their homes themselves. However, there are programs available to help seniors who are in need of help with their home repairs. Among the programs are the Handy Helper pilot project, the RESTORE program, and Section 504 home repair loans.
Trusted professionals
Fortunately, there are plenty of organizations willing to help the frail olde gents get their homes in order. One such organization is the New York City Department for the Aging. Its flagship program, Home Repair and Safety Audit Program, is the benefactor of millions of dollars in funding. Its mission is to ensure that elderly New Yorkers stay in their homes for as long as possible. The programs many benefits include free home maintenance inspections, access to affordable home maintenance contractors, and a host of other resources to make living in the Big Apple as comfortable as possible. The agency even has a handy list of approved contractors.
The best part is that the program is funded by tax dollars, rather than ad revenue. This means that seniors who qualify can get free home maintenance, and other goodies.
Section 504 home repair loans
Having an older home may mean that you need to make some repairs. These include fixing safety problems, adding a room, or even installing a new roof.
A Section 504 home repair loan can be a good way to finance these projects. The program is designed to help low-income families, seniors, and the disabled. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides loans and grants for these projects. However, before you can apply, you should know what type of home improvements you want to undertake.
The Section 504 Home Repair Loan is similar to other types of loans, such as home improvement loans, but the interest rate is lower. It has a 1% fixed interest rate, but you may need to pay full title service if you need a loan of over $7,500.
RESTORE program
Whether it’s an electrical repair or a roof replacement, senior homeowners can get financial help from the New York RESTORE program. The New York State Housing Finance Agency offers four types of grants. The funds are available to homeowners and renters. The agency works all over New York, tending to non-profit organizations and homeowners of low to moderate income.
The New York RESTORE program, also known as Residential Emergency Services to Offer Repairs to Elderly, provides assistance to low-income elderly homeowners who want to keep living in their homes. It covers a variety of repairs including heating and electrical repair, as well as measures to improve accessibility.
The program is administered by the New York State Office of Community Renewal. It covers structural repairs, heating repairs, electrical repairs and plumbing repairs. The RESTORE program also helps seniors by offering assistance to those who have code violations in their homes.
Handy Helper pilot project
Providing a little help to older adults isn’t a bad thing. In fact, many seniors prefer to live independently in their own homes, and a small investment in home maintenance can go a long way toward keeping them healthy and happy. The Handy Helper program, which is supported by the Orange County Department on Aging, is one such program. For homeowners who don’t have the time or resources to perform minor repairs, the Handy program will gladly perform the tasks for you.
The program has been a smash hit since its inception. A pilot project is currently underway in nearby communities, and will hopefully expand to other communities in the near future. The program has already performed 50 assignments, totaling 150 hours of work. The project is financed in part by the Health Foundation of Western and Central New York.
New Jersey safe senior housing & transportation program
Whether you are a senior citizen living alone in a high crime area or you want to maintain a home that meets your needs, the New Jersey Safe Senior Housing and Transportation program can help. The program provides escorted senior transportation services, home repair services, and home safety improvements.
In addition, NJ TRANSIT offers a paratransit service known as Access Link that provides public transportation for people with disabilities. In addition, the Transportation Assistance Program provides transportation services to medical appointments and shopping. In Camden County, the Transportation Program provides non-emergency medical visits, weekly shopping services, and special transportation appointments for job training sites.
The Senior Community Services Employment Program is a job training program for low-income Americans over 55. The program also provides transportation to fair hearings and to Friendship Corner events.