$75,000 state grant will help disabled modify their homes
The Washington County Redevelopment Authority will receive a $75,000 state grant for its access program that enables individuals or families coping with disabilities to make changes to the homes they own and occupy or rent.
Nearly 10,000 people in Washington County have permanent physical disabilities and are below poverty level, according to a news release from State Sen. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg, and Rep. Brandon Neuman, D-North Strabane Township.
Since 2005, the redevelopment authority received $400,000 from the program, helping make modifications in 47 homes.
Some examples of how the money has been used in the past include installing a stair lift, building ramps and modifying bathrooms.
Anyone interested in filling out an application can obtain one through the Redevelopment Authority website, www.rawc.net, and click on “Access Program” under “Programs” or call the office at 724-228-6875 to have an application sent out.
All applications must be completed on paper and mailed to the Redevelopment Authority, Sixth Floor, 100 West Beau St., Washington, PA., 15301, because the postmarked envelopes are used as proof denoting the order in which applications are received.
During the first month applications are available, priority is given to applicants within certain income guidelines, or applicants at risk of being institutionalized without program intervention.
Some examples of the income guidelines are, for a household of one, the median cap of $23,000 and a maximum is $36,750. For a household of four, the median cap is $32,800 and maximum income is $52,500.
The maximum amount a household can receive is $15,000, so the grant money would help five families or individuals.
Someone in the household must have a permanent physical disability documented by a physician.
“We have used some of our own funding to maintain the program when the well has been dry,” said Cindy Linville, home improvement director.
In 2012 and 2013, money from the Local Share Account was allocated to the redevelopment authority for the program, and the authority is also hoping for state approval of its 2014 request.
The total for these three years is $146,520 for nine houses plus the authority’s administrative costs.