Congressman Castro Announces $1 Million for Home Modification Program Benefiting Older San Antonians

Press Release

Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) announced $1 million for Rebuilding Together San Antonio to help lower income, older San Antonians remain in their homes and age in place with dignity. These home modifications reduce older adults' risk of falling, which improves accessibility, mobility, and safety in their homes. The goal of this program is to empower older adults with the ability to remain in their homes and "age in place," rather than being forced to move to nursing homes or other assisted care facilities.

These federal funds, awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Older Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP), support experienced nonprofit organizations, local and state governments, and public housing authorities with programs to make home modifications and limited repairs to meet the needs of lower-income elderly homeowners.

"As folks get older, their houses need to be modified so they can still enjoy the comfort of home and benefit from the peace of mind of living in your own place. Community organizations like Rebuilding Together San Antonio strive to help older San Antonians with home modifications, working to improve both safety for elderly residents and bolster the wellbeing of our entire city," said Congressman Castro. "Even before this pandemic, many older residents were hesitant to move out of their homes, but after the devasting COVID outbreaks in nursing homes, programs that enable "ageing in place" need even greater support. I applaud the Biden administration for working to meet the needs of older San Antonians, composing nearly a fifth of our community's population. I will continue advocating in Congress for funding programs that help our most vulnerable residents in San Antonio."

"With 26 years of serving San Antonio and over 1,000 completed projects, Rebuilding Together San Antonio is extremely excited to work with HUD and Congressman Castro," said Kent Gerstner, Executive Director. "This grant will serve so many of our neighbors in need - many of whom have been patiently waiting years for home repairs and modifications. This is truly a blessing for San Antonio!"

Background:

Rebuilding Together San Antonio is a non-profit dedicated to the repair and rehabilitation of homes of people in need, seniors, and those with disabilities with special emphasis on military veterans and their families using volunteer and contracted services. Rebuilding Together San Antonio can be reached at (210) 421-1111.

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