Habitat for Humanity’s New Program Aimed at Helping Older Adults Age in Place

Local funding has been critical for the new program launch.

Mankato, MN (June 7, 2023) — Habitat for Humanity South Central Minnesota, with the support of generous funding partners, has launched a new program to support older low-income or fixed-income homeowners who wish to stay safely in the homes they own and love. As older adults age in their homes, they face home disrepair or safety concerns which may limit their daily activities and result in premature movement into assisted living or nursing homes. Home modifications make homes more accessible and safer to live independently at home. Habitat’s Aging in Place is the recipient of the City of Mankato Community Development Block Grant as well as a Greater Mankato Area United Way grant. This funding is critical to ensuring affordability for older adults.

We know that aging in place extends longevity and quality of life, and safe and stable housing and community networks are core to these outcomes. The need for Aging in Place programs work is immense: older Americans are one of the fastest-growing demographics in the county- by 2030, 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 or older. Yet, more than 19 million older adults live in homes that are in disrepair or ill-equipped to meet their needs safely.

Habitat’s Aging in Place partners with older adults to implement home repairs and modifications based on a sliding fee to ensure affordability. From simple projects like grab bars and tub cutouts to larger ones like ramps and door widening, Habitat is here to help everyone Age in Place by fostering livable homes.

More information can be found on Habitat’s website at habitatscmn.org.

About Habitat: Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity South Central Minnesota has built 145 homes and 630 individuals in Blue Earth, Sibley, Watonwan, Le Sueur, and Nicollet counties. Through shelter, we empower. Interested in donating or volunteering to support the Mankato build? Visit habitatscmn.org.

Contact:
Juliann Wiersma
Habitat for Humanity South Central Minnesota
507-388-2081
habitatscmn.org