About 10 percent of the world's population, or approximately 650 million people, are documented to have a disability as of December 2010, according to the Disabled World website. This constitutes the largest minority group in the world. In the United States, the disabled have multiple resources where they can seek assistance. The resources include organizations that provide funding and professional expertise for home repairs and modifications that can enhance the quality of life of the disabled. Does this Spark an idea?
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA)
Established in 1973, the self-supporting North Carolina Housing Finance Agency finances the rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes that are substandard. The agency also provides funding for affordable homes developed by local governments, nonprofit organizations and private owners, and the development of accommodations for people with special needs. The resources for these projects come from the sale of tax-exempt bonds and the management of federal and state tax credit and other programs. The agency's Single-Family Rehabilitation Program provides funds to local governments and non-profit agencies to enable comprehensive rehabilitation of homes of low income, elderly or disabled owner-occupants. Owner-occupant income must be below 80 percent of the area median income to qualify. Local organizations that provide these loans contract and oversee the work. The agency also supports an Urgent Repair Program for people whose incomes are below 50 percent of the area median income. This includes the elderly, handicapped, or disabled, single parents with households of five or more and households with children who have elevated blood lead levels. Grants fund work to correct housing defects that are threatening to lives or safety, like dangerous heating systems or rotten floors. The cost of ramps and other accessibility features also fall under this program.
Easter Seals Disability Services
Easter Seals Disability Services partners with the Century 21 System's Easy Access Housing for Easier Living Program. The program has multiple options. These include finding an accessible home or adapting one to suit an individual with a vision or hearing impairment or some other physical disability, like being wheelchair bound. The program takes into account the aging population and empty nesters who seek accessible homes that are alternatives to nursing homes and retirement communities. The program provides educational literature, an expert panel, and easy-to-implement tips aimed at creating the reality of an accessible home.
People Working Cooperatively (PWC)
People Working Cooperatively serves low income elderly and disabled homeowners, providing a professional "whole house approach" to home services. Incorporated in Covington, Kentucky, in 1975, this non-profit organization assists with weatherization or energy conservation, modification for mobility and home repair aimed at ensuring safety in the home. Illness, disability, job loss and other circumstances are among the difficulties faced by homeowners who seek assistance. The PWC comprises more than 120 licensed staff and about 5,000 community-wide volunteers as at 2010.
Tags: accessible home, agency also, area median, area median income, below percent, below percent area, Carolina Housing
