Health and Social Services and Habitat to assist Seaford seniors in need

Representatives from Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, Delaware Health and Social Services, and the Delaware General Assembly gathered Aug. 8 to announce a new partnership to help Seaford-area seniors make healthy home modifications.

The new initiative targets low-income Delawareans aged 60 and older who own their own home in the 19973 ZIP code.

According to Kevin Gilmore, Sussex Habitat CEO, the need for this program is great. “Sussex County Habitat for Humanity sees the need for home repairs and modifications every day through our Healthy Homes Repair Program,” said Gilmore. “In the Seaford area alone, there are more than 1,500 low-income seniors. Many of them need help aging safely at home.“

The program is committed to supporting individuals as they age in place through minor home modifications such as wheelchair ramps, grab bars or railing installations, sidewalk and step repairs, and more. Low-income homeowners age 60 and over are eligible to apply.

“We are thankful for this partnership with Sussex County Habitat for Humanity to make much-needed minor home repairs for our Delaware seniors,” said Josette Manning, DHSS cabinet secretary, “These often-small modifications will make a huge difference in the lives of our seniors by enabling them to stay safely and independently in their own homes and communities.”

For more information and to apply, go to SussexCountyHabitat.org. The organization is currently taking applications as well as working with applicants on possible referrals to other organizations.