In January 2013, four non-profit organizations were awarded a total of $780,000 from AARP Foundation in order to pilot new operational models of home repair assistance.

The year-long grant will help each non-profit organization provide home repair services to low-income 50+ households.  Here is a list of the grantees, along with summaries of their programs:

Habitat for Humanity International
“50+ Repair Program”
Grant Amount: $250,000

Through a grant from AARP Foundation, Habitat for Humanity is developing the 50+ Repair Program to enable low-income 50+ homeowners to make the critical repairs and home modifications necessary to age in place.

Rebuilding Together
“Safe at Home Cost Recovery Program”
Grant Amount: $250,000

Building on the success of Rebuilding Together’s Safe at Home program that provides home modifications and aging-in-place services to low-income homeowners, this grant will engage a pilot group of affiliates in the creation of a “program in a box” for a cost-recovery program that will extend services to moderate income homeowners across the US.

As a national expert in serving low-income homeowners, Rebuilding Together will leverage national and local partners to create a cost-effective national program that will provide home modifications and education for low- to moderate- income homeowners.  While continuing to provide no-cost home modifications to low-income homeowners, homeowners above 60% AMI who would not typically qualify for Rebuilding Together services will now be able to receive services based on a sliding payment scale.  Program income will support services to additional low-income homeowners, enabling Rebuilding Together to serve additional homeowners.

Neighborhood of Affordable Housing, Inc., Boston, MA

“Greater Boston Senior Home Repair Collaborative”
Grant Amount: $200,000

The Greater Boston Senior Home Repair Collaborative is enabling more disadvantaged, older Boston-area residents to live securely at home, with dignity and independence. The Collaborative is a partnership among four firmly established, well-respected Boston-based non-profit organizations: Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), Kit Clark Senior Services, the Ecumenical Social Action Committee (ESAC), and United South End Settlements (USES). 

The Collaborative's services include: repairing and replacing broken toilets and faucets; unclogging drains; installing grab bars and handrails; repairing exterior and interior stairs, etc.  AARP Foundation funding will enable The Greater Boston Senior Home Repair Collaborative to extend services to include those aged 50-61 and to expand to serve residents of additional Greater Boston metro communities.