The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Thursday announced the award of $3.7 million to two nonprofit organizations and a low-income senior housing authority to help low-income seniors make home improvements so they can age in their familiar homes.
These projects are described as “low-cost, low-barrier, high-impact home modifications” that, according to HUD, are designed to “reduce older adults’ risk of falls, improve overall safety, increase accessibility, and improve their functional abilities in their homes.”
The funds will be distributed to three organizations in the states of Florida, Maine and Massachusetts. Center for Independent Living in Central Florida will receive $1.22 million, while both the Lewiston Housing Authority in Maine and Pioneer Valley Community Action in Massachusetts will each receive $1.25 million.
“This is the second round of funding this year for HUD’s Older Adults Home Modification Program (OAHMP), in addition to the grants announced on April 9, 2024,” HUD said. “President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that all Americans deserve access to a safe, affordable home, and today’s actions advance the Administration’s goal of providing new funding and support for housing low-income seniors.”
HUD officials, including Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman, said this support will benefit a core constituency in fulfilling HUD’s mission.
“Today we underscore our commitment to improving the quality of life for older adults with limited resources,” Todman said in a statement. “These grants provide an important resource for communities to make low-cost, high-impact home repairs tailored to residents’ needs.”
Matthew Ammon, director of HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Housing and former HUD deputy secretary, said the grants show that HUD recognizes the connection between housing and health.
“There is a strong connection between health and housing,” Ammon said. “It is important that our homes remain safe, healthy and livable, and this program does just that and allows older people to age with dignity.”
