The Positive Voices

Owning a home can be a lot of work. Some older homeowners may be unable to complete these tasks themselves which can result in costly repair bills that threaten their ability to keep the home. The Kent County Senior Millage funds programs through Home Repair Services and Senior Neighbors to help with projects of all sizes. Home Repair Services provides roof or furnace replacement or other large repairs. There is also assistance for modifications to accommodate mobility issues like the installation of a wheelchair ramp or grab bars. Senior Neighbors can help with smaller projects such as door lock or fuse replacement, window repairs or minor yard clean up. Senior Neighbors operates many programs to help those in their upper years remain independent. “Many older adults have often completed these types of projects in the past, but now find themselves unable to due to physical or financial reasons,” says Robert Barnes, Executive Director for Senior Neighbors. “Smaller fixes can often prevent larger, more costly, repairs later.” While Home Repair Services teaches homeowners of all ages to do repairs and update their home, they also provide help for those who can’t complete the projects on their own. “A large project, like a furnace replacement, can often be too costly for seniors,” says Dave Jacobs, Executive Director for Home Repair Services. “By helping with these repairs we are able to prevent older adults from losing their home or living in an unsafe environment.” Both organizations utilize paid staff members and dedicated volunteers. Each program is available to Kent County residents 60 years of age and older. Depending on income, seniors may be asked to pay a portion of the service cost. These funds are put back in to the programs. The Kent County Senior Millage is administered by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM). For more information on the millage, or senior services, visit http://www.aaawm.org or contact AAAWM at (616) 456-5664. For more information or to schedule repairs, contact: Home Repair Services: 241-2601 Senior Neighbors: 459-6019