Any community recognizes that it benefits from having healthy neighborhoods with homeowners active in maintaining their properties. However, that can be a challenge for some, such as the elderly or disabled.
Fixed incomes and physical limitations can make home improvements a daunting challenge.
Fortunately, help is available for local elderly and disabled residents.
Columbus’ community development department can apply for up to $350,000 in funding through the Homeowner Repair and Improvement Grant. It’s intended to facilitate improvements that will allow residents to stay in their homes as they continue to age. Improvements could be the installation of a ramp, a walk-in shower or widening doors for wheelchairs, for example.
Applicants must be 55 or older or live in a disabled household and meet income restrictions based on the number of people living in the home.
This is a great opportunity for seniors and disabled residents to receive help with their homes, but they need to act quickly to get it.
The community development office must receive by Thursday about 15 applications from residents who are in need of home repairs in order to apply for the full $350,000. Less grant money would be available if fewer residents sign up. The community development office has to apply for the grant by July 1.
Grant applications can be picked up in the community development office on the second floor of Columbus City Hall, 123 Washington St., or at the Administrative Resources Administration office, 748 Franklin St., Columbus.
If you are a senior citizen or disabled person or know one who could benefit from this home improvement grant, it’s in people’s best interests to apply.
It would be unfortunate for any qualified residents to miss out on this assistance. The more seniors and disabled who are able to stay in their homes because of help with needed improvements makes our neighborhoods better.
