Housing

Housing

Older adults have an enormous need for affordable housing options as they often struggle to maintain a sustainable household income as they age. Thirty-percent of a household’s total income is considered the cut-off for housing-cost burdens and avoiding financial hardship.

The needs assessment found 25% of older adults throughout Maryland, Virginia, D.C. and Delaware spend 30% or more on their housing expenses, which leaves less expendable income for other needs such as health foods and healthcare costs.

Highlights of Our Impact 

Rebuilding Together DC Alexandria, Alexandria, Va.

Since 1986, Rebuilding Together DC Alexandria has provided nearly 28,000 volunteers to work on 2,200 projects improve the homes of low-income residents of the City of Alexandria.

Impact1890’s 2018 grant was used to assist 6 older adults in making their homes safer. Repairs included installing handrails and grab bars, providing smoke/carbon dioxide detectors and fire extinguishers, replacing roofing or HVAC units, and putting chair lifts. Read More

Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County MD, Frederick, Md. 

Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County was established in 1993 as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. In addition to providing affordable home ownership, Habitat recognizes the need to maintain existing homes in a safe, decent and affordable manner and has established the “A Brush with Kindness” (ABWK) program. ABWK provides subsidized home repairs to low income residents of Frederick County.

Habitat was awarded $8,500 in support of the expansion of its ABWK program to include aging in place modifications for older adults. In conjunction with other non-profit organizations, Habitat seeks to assist 20-older adult households with home repairs and/or modifications so that the seniors can safely age in place.