Senator Collins Announces $1 Million to Help Maine Seniors “Age in Place”

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the Maine State Housing Authority has received $1 million to allow low-income seniors to stay in their homes through low-cost home modifications that will reduce older adults’ risk of falling.  This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Older Adults Home Modification Program (OAHMP).

“The vast majority of seniors would understandably prefer to remain in the comfort, security, and privacy of their own homes as they age,” said Senator Collins. “In addition to allowing seniors to live independently and safely near friends, family, and loved ones, home modifications that increase accessibility are also highly cost effective.”

This funding will allow the Maine Housing Authority to make modifications in 308 homes, including installation of grab bars, railings, and lever-handled doorknobs and faucets, as well as the installation of adaptive equipment, such as non-slip strips for tubs, showers, and stairs.

Senator Collins has championed the OAHMP, a new federal grant program that is based in part on work the Bath Housing Authority started and which MaineHousing has helped expand across the state.

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