News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A home repair program for the elderly will be expanding thanks to additional funding for Putnam County Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity Development Director Melissa Parks said the Aging in Place Program is a new initiative that will be launched in about a month or so.
“It’s going to allow us to work with 55 qualifying local seniors over the next three years, providing critical repairs, mobility modifications, and weatherization enhancements to help them live in their homes longer,” Parks said.
Parks said the additional funding allows Habitat for Humanity to provide repair work in both Overton and Putnam counties.
Funding for the Aging in Place Program is being provided through a grant awarded by Davidson County Chancery Court as part of a $35 million dollar court settlement.
Two meetings will be held over the next few weeks to prepare for the program.
The first meeting will take place Thursday, September 13th when PCHFH invites local general contractors and subcontractors to learn more about the three year program.
“What we would like to do is pre-qualify contractors and subcontractors so we already have information about them whenever we need bids,” Parks said.
All contractors and subcontractors must have workmen’s compensation and liability insurance to be eligible to submit bids for the Aging in Place Program. PCHFH hopes contractors and subcontractors specializing in the electrical, plumbing, and roofing will attend the meeting.
Referral partners will be invited to the second meeting on September 20th. Parks said PCHFH is looking for partners such as home health agencies, churches, and rehabilitation facilities.
“We would love to brings those people in and talk to them about this program so that they could be a great referral source for us,” Parks said. “A way for us to know which seniors in our communities need some help in order to stay in their homes.”
The September 13th meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. and the September 20th meeting at noon. Both meetings will be held at the Putnam County Habitat for Humanity offices on 728 E. 15th Street in Cookeville.
