HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH) announced $30 million in grants through the Older Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP). This funding offers an essential resource to communities across the country. It allows low-income elderly individuals to remain in their homes safely and comfortably. The program provides low-cost, high-impact home modifications that reduce fall risks, improve overall safety, and enhance the accessibility of homes. The grants support seniors’ ability to age in place.
Why Home Modifications for Seniors Matter
As people age, they face new challenges in navigating their homes safely and independently. Simple, yet effective modifications can significantly improve their quality of life by:
- Reducing fall risks, which is one of the leading causes of injury among older adults
- Increasing home accessibility, ensuring all areas are safe and easy to navigate
- Improving safety features, such as handrails, ramps, and better lighting
- Enhancing functional abilities, allowing seniors to maintain independence
Aging in place is often the preferred option for seniors. It helps them stay connected to their communities and reduces the need for expensive nursing home care. OAHMP addresses these needs by offering grants for home modifications that remove common barriers to independent living.
Who Can Apply?
The Older Adult Home Modification Program is designed for nonprofit organizations, public housing authorities, and state and local governments. These organizations have at least three years of experience providing services to elderly adults. The grantors have structured the program to support entities that already understand the unique needs of seniors. Ideally, they have experience in home modifications or community-based services.
Eligible applicants include:
- State governments
- County or city governments
- Public housing authorities
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
Grant Details
- Total Funding Available: $30 million
- Individual Grant Awards: Range between $1 million and $2 million
- Expected Number of Awards: 15
- No Cost-Sharing Requirement: No matching funds are required, making this grant accessible to a wide range of applicants
Each applicant can develop comprehensive programs that focus on making safety and functional modifications in homes, specifically for low-income elderly individuals. These programs should aim to make:
- homes safer,
- more accessible,
- and better suited for independent living.
Deadline to Apply
The deadline to apply for the Older Adult Home Modification Program is November 19, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants must ensure their proposals meet all threshold requirements outlined in the HUD notice to be considered.
What Types of Home Modifications Are Eligible?
The modifications eligible for funding under this program are low-cost, low-barrier, yet high-impact solutions that significantly improve safety and accessibility for older adults. Common examples of modifications include:
- Grab bars in bathrooms to reduce fall risks
- Ramps for easier access to homes
- Stair lifts to allow older adults to access all levels of their home
- Widening doorways for wheelchair accessibility
- Enhanced lighting to improve visibility in hallways and staircases
- Non-slip flooring to prevent falls
These types of renovations are essential for reducing accidents, making daily tasks easier, and enabling seniors to live independently with dignity.
The Impact of the Older Adult Home Modification Program
The OAHMP provides significant support for communities to address the needs of low-income seniors. By funding home modifications, the program reduces the likelihood of older adults moving into expensive long-term care facilities. This approach aligns with the overall goal of improving quality of life while also offering cost savings to both individuals and the public sector.
According to HUD, these home modifications are not only a preventative measure against injuries. They also:
- empower seniors to live independently for longer,
- help seniors maintain a higher quality of life,
- and allow them to avoid the disruptions that come with moving to assisted living or nursing homes.
How to Apply for the Older Adult Home Modification Program
Eligible organizations interested in applying for funding should carefully review the grant notice, FR-6800-N-69, available on the HUD website. The application process is open until November 19, 2024. For more information or assistance with the application, applicants can reach out to Dr. Taneka Blue at olhchh.nofa@hud.gov.
To learn more about the program and access application materials, review the grant package here: FR-6800-N-69 .
Eligible nonprofit organizations, public housing authorities, and state and local governments are encouraged to apply.
