Rebuilding Together and AARP have formed a partnership to help older homeowners live in safer properties for a longer period of time.
Through this new pilot program, 12 Rebuilding Together affiliates will now have the ability to offer moderate-income homeowners who live above 60% of their area median income with free home modifications and repairs, which will allow them to “age-in-place” within their property.
This program is based off of Rebuilding Together’s Safe at Home program, which focuses on providing low-income homeowners with a similar opportunity and service.
The American Occupational Therapy Association is also working with Rebuilding Together and AARP on this pilot program. Through its national partnership with Rebuilding Together, AOTA will provide insights into prioritizing repairs so that affiliates can ensure their repairs allow recipients to live in a
These homeowners, who would usually not meet the financial criteria for Rebuilding Together’s free home modification services, can now qualify for home repairs based on a sliding payment scale. The proceeds from this fee for service program will go towards providing low-income families with free home repairs, which will end up benefiting a greater number of homeowners throughout the country.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the majority of falls happen in or around the home. The CDC said falls are the most common cause of injury related deaths, nonfatal injuries, and trauma related hospital visits for older adults. These types of injuries cost the U.S. over $19 billion a year, which is only going to increase as the baby boomer generation ages.
Therefore, through this new program, providing fall prevention home improvements, such as grab bars, is an important feature to help older homeowners.
“AARP is a terrific partner for Rebuilding Together because both organizations are committed to keeping our seniors in safe and healthy housing,” said John Fiegel, interim president and CEO of Rebuilding Together.
The Rebuilding Together affiliates participating in the pilot are located in Sacramento, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Colorado Springs, Silicon Valley in California, Central Ohio, Alexandria, Va., and Clay County, Mo.
