My mom and dad live on a very strict social security budget. Their floors in their small home are falling down, the pipes are old and run. They need some help really badly. They can't afford much and I can help work, but not much money to pay out for someone to repair their home. Any help that they can get would be very welcome. They are 80 and 81 years old. Is there any help available for them?
By Sharon from Paris, KY
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I think there is a federal program, that is called different things in different communities. In some places it is called Opportunities for Independent Living. They have a limited amount of money each year.
I know people that had $10,000 worth of work done on their house and that increased the value of the house, therefore increasing the taxes on it by a significant amount. Maybe your folks would be better off selling their home for whatever they could get for it and getting into a HUD subsidized apartment.
The rent for them is figured at 30% of a person's income, and in SD the rent includes everything, but electricity, phone, cable, and internet. Heat, water, sewer, and garbage is included in the rent. They also wouldn't have to worry about property taxes or whatever they are called where you live.
Contact your Department of Social Services and see what you can find out about the organization that I mentioned. I don't know what it would be listed under in your phone book. Here in SD the organization is called Opportunities for Independent Living and in the town I live in it is called The Prairie Freedom Center. The organization finds their own repair people, and here the repair people only work when they feel like it.
All elderly do not want to live in low income housing. I am 69 yrs og age and i love being a home owner. It gives me a sense of pride. I will seek help for repairs.
Need to get on fence jumper program I was born in the us way about some ove help
There is a great group called "Christmas in April" that does just what you describe. Unfortunately, it appears there's not a group in your area. You still might want to go to christmasinapril.com to learn more about it. Good luck!
Wow! That was a lot of good advice "redhatterb" gave, but she is most correct in that so many of these programs are known with different names in different areas of the country, and it is indeed difficult to find out what is available in a specific community.
Beyond "redhatterb's" suggestions, 4 (four) local places to ask questions are: 1) Your parent's city hall or the county offices where their property is located; 2) The closest public library or state public library, regional headquarters Community Information references; 3) An area Chamber of Commerce and, 4) Local (to your parents) churches and charitable organizations as they might be able to recommend or help you find other sources to pursue.
Bless you for looking out for your elderly parents. Best wishes for all!
I should also add you should contact your local Home Builder's Assoc. The town that I live in that Association does minor home repairs with donated supplies for a couple days every spring.
I would check with your local council on aging & I have also found my local gov't reps on the city level very helpful.
We have a group here in Phoenix called Angels On Call, they are associated with Stardust Building Supplies who do 'deconstructing' for razing and remodeling projects and sell the reclaimed materials to fund Angels On Call.
Call 211 . It is a nationwide number for finding assistance. When they answer, explain what help is needed and be sure to let them know it is for a senior. You will be given info on who to contact closest to you. I am concerned if their home is as bad as you have described that it will be considered unlivable.
I volunteer for a national charity called Love,INC. We do exactly what you are asking for! Here's a link to the website with locations in each state. Call the one closest to your parents. They'll be happy to help!
www.loveinc.org/
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