Aging In Place

This program serves seniors 62 and over and/or homeowners of any age with disabling conditions such as mobility issues or sensory impairments. The program includes a home assessment, with recommendations of minor repairs to make the home safer to get around in. The assessment tool evaluates how the home supports the lifestyle of the owner (and occupants) and identifies improvements to make the home safer and more comfortable. These improvement projects may be combined with Critical Home Repairs (larger scale) and/or Minor Home Repair.

Examples of eligible projects:

  • Entry hardware improvements (locks, bolts, door handles, doorbell)
  • Entry access improvements (non-slip flooring, low threshold, lighting)
  • Handrails and grab bars (exterior and interior)
  • Task lighting – kitchen, bathroom, favorite chair
  • Accessibility – bedroom to bathroom, and elsewhere
  • Point of use storage, de-cluttering and space organization

Aging in Place Program Qualifications and Requirements

  1. Applicants must be age 62 or over or qualify as physically or mentally disabled.
  2. Applicants must own the home and provide proof of income for all household members. Income must not exceed 80% of the AMI.
  3. Proof of current homeowner’s insurance.
  4. Homeowners are required to give back 2-8 hours of sweat equity hours to support the mission. This will be determined by the scope of the repair work. Accommodations will be made for those with physical impairments or limited ability by allowing friends and family to contribute volunteer hours on their behalf.
  5. Homeowners will pay a $50 one-time fee after approval and upon signing the agreement contract.

How To Apply for Home Repair Programs

  1. Intake Form: The first step is to fill out an intake form. An applicant can do this here on our website. If an applicant doesn’t have internet access, they can call our King County office at 206-452-7697 or Kittitas County office at 509-818-1974 to complete their intake over the phone.
  2. Full Application: Once we process their intake, we will determine if the applicant meets our basic requirements. If the applicant qualifies for the program, we will notify them and send them a full application. Once they turn in a completed application, and we approve it, we will contact them and set up a time for the site visit.
  3. Site Visit & Review: Someone from the repair team will schedule an appointment to visit the home and determine what kind of repairs need to be made and if the repairs fall within the scope of work. Also, during this phase, Habitat creates a plan for Critical Repairs, Minor Home Repair, and assesses Aging in Place work. Then creates a scope of work and project cost. Schedule is based upon urgency, weather, funding and the current pipeline of applicants.
  4. Repair: Habitat works to repair the home using Habitat staff, AmeriCorps, and possibly contractors and community volunteers.