State Funding to Help Persons with Disabilities Stay in Their Own Homes

 

CHICAGO - Low-income seniors and residents with disabilities in Illinois can continue to live independently and with family under a new round of $2.2 million in state funding through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). Families and individuals with special needs can apply for Home Modification Program grant money to install ramps, chair lifts, wider doors and other accessible improvements to their homes. 

 

IHDA, a state agency dedicated to creating and preserving affordable housing, will allocate the funding to 15 non-profit organizations and local public agencies around the state to administer the program. Residents who qualify may receive up to $25,000 to pay for features to make their homes more accessible.

 

"On behalf of Governor Pat Quinn, this critical funding will enable more Illinois families and individuals to afford adding the necessary features to continue living in their homes and stay in their own communities. The Home Modification Program promotes freedom for persons facing physical challenges who might otherwise be forced to seek care in an institution," said IHDA Executive Director Gloria L. Materre.

 

The Home Modification Program last year garnered a national award through the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) for leading this innovative approach to preserving affordable housing. With this latest round of funding, an estimated 138 low-income households will be served. Now in its fourth year, the program - the result of a partnership with IHDA, and the Illinois Department on Aging and Illinois Department of Human Services - has already made an impact in the lives of residents across Illinois.

 

Robert and Karen Ueltzen last year received funding through IHDA partner Ramp Up, a non-profit organization affiliated with United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago, to make their bathroom accessible for their 35-year-old daughter, Beth. Thanks to the new overhead track transfer in their south suburban Crete home, Karen said the physical stress is removed from their lives. "This has been a godsend," Robert said.

 

Anyone interested in applying for the Home Modification Program funding should contact the organization in their area (See below).

 

 

 

About the Illinois Housing Development Authority

IHDA (www.ihda.org) is a self-supporting state agency that finances the creation and the preservation of affordable housing across Illinois.  Since its creation in 1967, IHDA has allocated more than $9.67 billion and financed more than 204,000 affordable units across the state.  IHDA accomplishes its mission through a number of federal and state funding sources including the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credits Fund, the allocation of federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and HOME Investment Partnership funds. IHDA is also a bonding authority, and independently sells bonds, based on its own good credit, to finance affordable housing in Illinois.

 

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