Cincinnati seniors can get help to pay for rent and housing repairs.
Several city and nonprofit organizations help senior residents of Cincinnati with affordable housing options and home renovation grants. To qualify for a grant, the senior must meet the income-limit level requirements outlined in the program description. The Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority has one public housing facility exclusively for seniors. This independent living apartment housing allows seniors to pay a reduced rent based on their income. These housing services allow low-income seniors to live in safe and decent housing conditions.
Home Repair
People Working Cooperatively helps low-income seniors make emergency and general repairs to their homes. To qualify for help, the senior's total household income cannot exceed 50 percent of the area's median income. Eligible repairs include roof replacement, fixing broken water pipes, electrical upgrades and accessibility modifications. Only homeowners are eligible for the home repair program. PWC also offers weatherization services to help senior reduce their utility bills with energy-efficient upgrades. Both homeowners and renters can apply for weatherization services.
Modifications for Mobility
People Working Cooperatively also helps low-income seniors in Cincinnati make accessibility modifications to their homes. Seniors with income at or below 50 percent of the area's median income can apply for the Modifications for Mobility program. Typical modifications include constructing wheelchair ramps, installing grab bars and bathroom modifications. Only homeowners are eligible for the Modifications for Mobility program. People Working Cooperatively's trained staff and volunteers help to perform the modification work.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency provides weatherization services to low-income households to help lower utility bills. Seniors with income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for help. Typical weatherization measures include installing insulation, replacing heating equipment and upgrading appliances to EnergyStar appliances. These services are provided at no cost to the senior. The senior must be a resident of Hamilton County and responsible for his own utility bills to get help. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for weatherization services. The estimated annual savings after weatherization work is $437 per household.
Baldwin Grove
The Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority's senior community Baldwin Grove provides seniors with affordable housing units. The apartment community was completed in 2007 and seniors who live there pay 30 percent of their income toward rent. The housing authority pays the remaining portion of rent. Seniors with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area's median income are eligible to apply for a housing unit. Although the community has accessibility features, seniors can still qualify to have their unit weatherized through the Weatherization Assistance Program.
Tags: weatherization services, area median, area median income, below percent, help senior
