BIDDEFORD — Funding has been awarded to Biddeford Housing Authority to help older or disabled Mainers stay in their homes.
The program, called Comfortably Home, will help provide high-impact, low-cost minor home repairs to homes in Saco, Biddeford, Old Orchard Beach, Buxton, and surrounding communities. Biddeford Housing is one of about 10 programs across the state to receive MaineHousing funding to address these needs.
“Being able to help seniors or disabled live more comfortably and safer in their homes is not only rewarding but, more importantly, allows residents to stay in their communities and neighborhoods longer,” said BHA Director Guy Gagnon in a news release. “With the assistance of the Age Friendly networks in our communities, we hope to reach out to help as many homeowners as we can.”
Improvements may include installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, adding grab bars in the shower, raising toilet seat height, increase lighting, fix small roof leaks, and other projects, he said.
Under the Comfortably Home program, BHA hires local contractors who team up with volunteers to repair and modify the homes.
Maine is facing housing challenges when it comes to accessible and safe homes for older residents and those with disabilities, program proponents say.
Age Friendly Saco Director Jean Saunders said some residents may assume they do not quality, but noted the eligibility criteria that spells out people must be 55 or older or have a disability, own their home, or live in a home owned by a family member, and meet income guidelines that are 80 percent of the area median income.
Gagnon said that income threshold may apply to many retirees.
“This program is designed to help residents stay in their homes as they age by making small investments that reap many benefits,” said Saunders as she urged people to reach out to learn more.
Biddeford Housing offered a similar program in 2019. This year, BHA was awarded $81, 750 for the program. Gagnon estimated that it will help make repairs to about 25 homes, and he is hoping for further funding in 2024 and 2025.
“As a result of this funding and program, our neighbors are thriving in their own homes and remain part of our community,” said Gagnon. “We’re grateful to MaineHousing for providing this funding and we’re excited to continue the tradition of Mainers helping Mainers — with our Yankee ingenuity low-cost and high-impact fixes.”
For more information, contact Biddeford Housing at 207-282-6537 or email smainehousing@gmail.com, Age Friendly Saco at 710-5029 or in Old Orchard Beach, Community Friendly Connection co-chair Lee Koenigs at director@ooblibrary.org.
“This is co cool,” said Koenigs of the program. “And there is such a need.”
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