By ANNA SHAND, Cleveland Daily Banner

Habitat for Humanity Cleveland is launching a new program, Aging in Place (AIP), to help senior homeowners with repairs or modifications.

“Aging in place” refers to the idea that many seniors want to stay in their homes as they age. Many, however, have concerns about safety, getting around and performing daily activities. Small repairs implemented by the AIP program aim to make their homes safer and foster independent living.

Habitat Executive Director Tammy Johnson revealed the new program on July 14 at the Cleveland/Bradley County Chamber of Commerce.

“We are passionate about this program,” Johnson said. “I know firsthand what this kind of need is, and I know there are people in our community who don't have family who can help. … There are a lot of people who don't have resources. And so we want to provide some resources that are a little bit more about making the home accessible.”

According to AARP, nearly 19 million Americans live in homes that are in disrepair or inadequate for their needs and are unable to access resources to make them livable. These issues, AARP said, often keep them isolated and unable to access supportive services.

Much of the nation’s housing inventory also lacks basic accessibility features such as a no-step entrance or extra-wide doorways, AARP said.

The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability reported in 2020 that 20% of Bradley County’s homeowners 65 and older were "housing burdened." Of the 19,422 residents at the time who were 65 and older, 26% of them had difficulty walking and 26% lived alone.

Bethany Souza, the Habitat coordinator for AIP, said the new program is evidence based and person centered.

“The aging population is the fastest-growing population,” Souza said. “Statistics show that more than 10,000 Americans turn 60 every day. It's definitely going to be increasing in difficulty to serve these people. We definitely want to get these programs out there, because the need is greater than ever.”

The AIP program is fully funded and will come at no cost to applicants. Due to grant money and volunteers, the only expense residents will face is a $20 application fee — which goes straight to a background check, Souza said.

Qualified applicants will be assessed to determine which repairs or modifications are most helpful to them. Repairs could include the installation of handrails, wheelchair ramps, heightened toilet seats, shower grab bars or wheelchair-accessible doorways.

Eligibility for the program is determined by the following factors: Applicants must own and live in their home full time, must own no other property than their home, must be 60 or older, must live in Bradley County, must be current on mortgage and property taxes, and must have a household income that falls within 60% of the area median income.

Souza is hoping to partner with local churches, nonprofits and health agencies to better serve the aging population.