Door County Habitat for Humanity will be able to continue its mission to ensure safe housing for seniors in the community after being awarded a $20,000 AARP Community Challenge Grant. The grant will be used to fund home repairs for veterans and those with disabilities ages 50+ around the peninsula, to ensure they can age in place safely within their homes.
“As the Habitat for Humanity focus these grant efforts, I think it’s just one more aspect of providing opportunities for older adults in Door County to be able to remain in their home safely as long as they can,” said Darrin Wasniewski, the AARP Senior Associate State Director for Community Outreach.
The grant is part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment for funding quick-action projects that make communities more livable for older adults. Applicants apply for the grant and their applications are carefully reviewed by a volunteer judging panel and are selected based on their goals and overall benefit to their communities.
Wasniewski said Door County Habitat for Humanity indicated they will focus grant funding on materials for repairs for disabled seniors and veterans to improve the safety of their existing homes. Through their Aging in Place program, Habitat strives to assist older adults in their homes by providing critical repairs and modifications that allow them to preserve their independence. Habitat volunteers work on projects like fixing stairs, handrails, windows, doors, toilets, and faucets.
“AARP is committed to our mission, which is to empower people to choose how they live as they age and choosing how to stay in their home is one of those choices,” Wasniewski added, “we understand that sometimes things don’t always go as you wish so if you need a little extra assistance, which is where this grant for Habitat for Humanity comes in, doing these simple repairs is then a way to continue with those choices and sort of takes a little pressure off any needed repairs.”
For more information on Habitat for Humanity's Aging in Place program, click here.
