Community Action Pioneer Valley is receiving $1.25 million from the federal government to help low-income seniors stay in their own homes through low-cost modifications.

Energy Director Peter Wingate said the nonprofit plans to use funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to install handrails, ramps and bathroom renovations in about 180 homes – all at no cost to the homeowners. He explained this is a second round of funding from HUD’s Older Adults Home Modification Program and the organization is just completing the first three-year grant to serve 175 homes.

“There was just a great need in the community,” Wingate said. “This grant has resonated with people. The fact that we can continue to provide it for at least three more years is really good news.”

Wingate said all work is reviewed by trained Community Action Pioneer Valley personnel and that local contractors are always used to keep HUD money in the community.

“We are not bringing in big teams from the east of the state,” he said.

Wingate added that the most common home change is the installation of handrails in bathrooms, especially in showers or next to toilets.

Community Action Pioneer Valley’s Older Adult Home Modification Program is for homeowners age 62 and older who receive heating subsidies. Homeowners must reside in Franklin or Hampshire counties or the towns of Athol, Petersham, Phillipston and Royalston in Worcester County.

The modifications reduce the risk of falls among older people, improve overall safety and increase accessibility. The $1.25 million is part of $3.7 million in grants that HUD recently awarded. Other recipients include the Lewiston Housing Authority in Maine and the Center for Independent Living in Florida. In total, at least 525 senior families will benefit from the money.

“Today we underscore our commitment to improving the quality of life for older adults with limited resources,” said Adrianne Todman, acting secretary of HUD, in a statement released Thursday. “These grants provide an important resource for communities to make low-cost, high-impact home repairs tailored to residents’ needs.”

“There is a strong connection between health and housing,” said Matthew Ammon, director of HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Housing, in a statement. “It is important that our homes remain safe, healthy and livable, and this program does that by enabling older adults to age at home with dignity.”

Clare Higgins, executive director of Community Action Pioneer Valley, said the grants allow people to “age in place” for as long as possible. She said she has heard only positive comments from seniors whose homes have been converted.

“All I can say is that we are very grateful and it has been a very good thing for us,” Higgins said of the HUD grant. “We are very happy about it.”

To enroll in the Older Adult Home Modification Program, call 413-376-1163 or email [email protected]. Leave your name, address, phone number, and fuel assistance application number if you have one. If you are not receiving fuel assistance, you will need to submit an application. If you live in the North Quabbin area, you can either submit your fuel eligibility letter or fill out Community Action Pioneer Valley’s program application.

Reach Domenic Poli at: [email protected] or 413-930-4120.