The following is being distributed at the request of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:

Accessibility Upgrades Made Possible Through Annual Home Modification Program

More than $3 million was invested by the Provincial Government in Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s (NLHC) Home Modification Program this year to help nearly 500 homeowners with low-to-moderate incomes make accessibility modifications to their homes.

“This annual program helps seniors and persons with disabilities afford the modifications they need to make their living spaces more manageable and comfortable,” said Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for NLHC. “There are many ways to enhance the accessibility of a home, and the Home Modification Program is designed to provide people the opportunity to address accessibility needs, which in turn enables people to continue living in their own homes.”

The average Home Modification Program user is approximately 68 years of age, has a household income of approximately $18,200, and lives in a 47-year-old house. The types of projects that can be undertaken with a Home Modification Program loan or grant include ramp installations, interior chair lifts, widening of doorways and halls, kitchen and bathroom alterations such as lowering kitchen counters, and the installation of walk-in showers.

This investment of more than $3 million in the Home Modification Program directly supports the goals of the Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador - Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, which includes supporting home modifications to address the accessibility needs of seniors and persons with disabilities.

The Home Modification Program is an initiative which complements the provincial strategy for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, Access. Inclusion. Equality., released in April 2012. This strategy provides guidance to departments and agencies across the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and is designed to bring about substantive change within policies, services, programs and attitudes.

Applications for the next year of the program can be downloaded from www.nlhc.nl.ca , and are also available at NLHC regional offices.

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BACKGROUNDER
Home Modification Program Allocations for 2011-12 by NLHC Regional Office area

2012 08 16             10:45 a.m.