Advocates for older New Yorkers, including those with disabilities, have reached out to leaders of the NYS Senate and Assembly to restore support to vital programs that were underfunded by the Governor in the Executive Budget.
These programs support the cost of repairs and modifications to homes that allow older New Yorkers to safely and comfortably stay in their communities, and include:
- Access to Home: helps provide accessibility improvements like bathroom handrails and wheelchair ramps for people with disabilities and low or moderate incomes. Last year, the Legislature provided $4 million for this program, and advocates are requesting at least the same amount.
- RESTORE/HOPE: funds emergency repairs, like replacing a broken boiler or fixing a leaking roof, for senior citizens with low or moderate incomes. The Governor proposed flat funding of $1.4 million statewide compared to last year, and advocates are asking the Legislature to increase funding to $4 million.
To help low- to moderate-income seniors pay for small repairs and improvements that would help them safely age in place, advocates are also calling for the creation of a new program, Safer Homes for Seniors. A funding line of $5 million would support the cost of things like minor plumbing, electrical work, and window and door repairs in owner-occupied or rental homes.
“We’ve seen a surge of 50% in the number of older New Yorkers living in poverty over the past decade, according to a study from the Center for an Urban Future,” said Mike Borges, Executive Director of the Rural Housing Coalition. “Funding these programs will go a long way toward addressing the needs of low- to moderate-income seniors and allowing them to age in place safely.”
According to Alex Thompson, Director of Advocacy at the New York Association on Independent Living, “Our 41 independent living centers across New York know that accessible housing is a major barrier for people with disabilities and older adults trying to stay in their communities. Accessible ramps, bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms are crucial to allowing people to live at home. Funding the Access to Home program will let more people in more parts of New York State get the help they need.”
“AARP’s research consistently shows that the vast majority of aging New Yorkers want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible,” said Beth Finkel, State Director, AARP New York. “However, many need assistance in making their homes age-friendly to ensure they can live safely and independently. That’s why increasing funding for the state’s RESTORE and Access to Home programs by $8 million and appropriating $5 million for the Safer Homes for Seniors program is so crucial. Older New Yorkers want to age at home. Let’s help them do that.”
“Census information confirms the continued aging of our population along with an accompanying increase in the number of households with disabilities. The need for additional funding as well as for more non-profits providing these services is greater than ever,” said Borges. “We urge Legislative leaders to support the programs that help older New Yorkers stay in their homes, where they want to be.”
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