United Way of Long Island receives $1.3M grant to help seniors stay in their homes
United Way of Long Island has been awarded a $1.3 million Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Older Adults Home Modification Grant Program (OAHMP), funding that will provide home modifications and repairs to meet the needs of low-income elderly homeowners that allow them to age in place.
The grant is part of a network of programs the organization provides to older residents including veterans’ assistance, 2-1-1 information and referral, Project Warmth, case management, financial and legal help and health and prevention services.
“There has never been a more important time than now to ensure the safety of our senior citizens when living independently at home,” said Theresa Regnante, president and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “Small changes in seniors’ homes can make a huge difference in their lives. This HUD modification program will enhance United Way’s already existing Safe at Home for Seniors program allowing our elderly neighbors to safely age in place.”
Long Island’s population is continuing to age; the number of residents aged 70 and older is expected to increase by more than 220,000 over the next 25 years, according to Northwell Health. OAHMP is intended to prevent Long Island seniors from being unnecessarily hospitalized for incidents that commonly involve elderly residents, including falls, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says is the leading cause of injury and death in older Americans.
Recipients of this program like Peter, a Navy veteran, and retired tradesman whose home was updated with safety features like a front railing and shower grab bars have noted the marked difference in their quality of life and the profound impact this program has had.
“Helping Long Island’s seniors live safely and independently in their own homes is something I’ve fought for, and I’m proud to have helped secure this $1.3 million HUD grant for United Way of Long Island,” said Rep. Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). “United Way has long been a trusted partner in serving our communities, and I’ll keep pushing for the federal resources our seniors need to age with dignity and peace of mind.”
Along with occupational therapists, United Way’s community partners will help identify the repairs most critically needed for seniors to facilitate aging in place, including bathroom renovations and accessibility features, such as lever handles on doors and faucets, handheld shower heads and wheelchair ramps.
The home modification program expects to serve 150 clients over three years. To qualify, residents must live in and own private residences and be at least 62 years old (renters are also allowed). For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit www.unitedwayli.org.
