Eighty-six percent of seniors polled in a study by AARP made basic changes to their homes to extend their ability to remain independent -- but 36 percent of seniors polled could not make changes due to the expense associated with repairs. Several organizations in Nashville, Tennessee, offer to senior citizens grants and other funding options that provide the resources to make home improvements
Emergency Repair
The Nashville Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (NMDHA) offers an emergency grant for the repair of a debilitated home. Applicants must be over 55 years of age and earn no more than $21,250 annually as of July 2011. The grant pays up to $2,000 for material costs and the repair of unsafe conditions. The program also provides labor in addition to the $2,000 grant.
Weatherization Grants
The NMDHA also provides grants to keep homes warm in the winter and cool during the summer months. The program provides insulation, caulking and other weatherization services for renters and home owners. Income requirements are based on family size. For example, a family of two cannot exceed income of $2,428 monthly, while a single applicant can earn no more than $1,805 per month.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, a program administered by the Metropolitan Action Commission, provides grants for energy assistance and weatherization. Elderly applicants receive priority assistance to help control the cost of energy bills. Contact the Metropolitan Action Commission in Nashville for additional information.
Rehabilitation
The NMDHA also offers other options, such as the deferred payment loan for seniors. Applicants receive up to $36,000 recorded as a deed of trust and promissory note. Recipients of the loan do not have to pay the loan unless they vacate, sell or abandon the property. The program does not require payments as long as the recipient remains in the property. Applicant income cannot exceed between $21,250 to $40,050, which is based on family size.
Other Options
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency provides grants to senior citizens age 60 years or older to repair damaged or disabled systems in the home. The programs offers up to $10,000 and requires a 50 percent match from another source. Applicants can contact the Tennessee Housing Development Agency for information.
The NMDHA offers free repairs and low-interest loans, which are available to everyone. The Adopt-a-House program offers labor and repair services free of charge for emergency repairs. The Rehab Loan program provides up to $36,000 for repairs at a 3 percent interest rate as of July 2011. Applicants must reside in a low-income area and earn no more than $34,000 annually for a single applicant.
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