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HomeNHHFA Awards GSIL $250,000 Grant
March 11, 2017
The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority recently awarded Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) $250,000 over a two-year period to help build an Accessibility Pilot Program for homeowners with disabilities.
The new funds will allow GSIL to expand the scope of its current efforts in providing accessible home modifications. Where a project used to max out at $5,000 per consumer, the GSIL team will now be able to allocate an average of $10,000 – $20,000 towards project costs. Over the two-year period, GSIL anticipates serving an additional 10-22 homeowners across New Hampshire.
This larger scope of home modifications will include, but is not limited to: ramps, stair glides, door-widening, bathroom and kitchen modifications to improve accessibility.
“Home modifications make a huge difference to someone’s ability to live life independently,” said Sarah Melasecca, Director of Independent Living Services at GSIL. “Modifications not only increase self-sufficiency, but also increase overall safely and the ability to independently access their home and community.”
To be eligible, program participants must be New Hampshire homeowners who are living in the property as their primary residence, have accessibility needs as identified by a Physician’s Verification of Disability, and the household must meet GSIL’s financial eligibility guidelines.
“We are pleased to support GSIL’s Accessibility Pilot Program through this grant,” said Dean Christon, Executive Director of New Hampshire Housing. “We look forward to working with GSIL to help improve livability and safety in participants’ homes through these modifications.”
Since 1985, GSIL has operated the highly regarded Access Modification Program (AMP) to provide home access modification, durable medical equipment and other items to support independence and accessibility. The projects and services provided through AMP have allowed persons with disabilities to maintain their self-respect, everyday safety, and most importantly, remain living in their own home within their own community.
Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) is a statewide nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote life with independence for people with disabilities, seniors through home care offerings, employment programs and community services, such as advocacy, information, education and support. For more information on GSIL, its programs and supports, visit www.gsil.org or call 603-228-9680.