Habitat for Humanity’s Aging in Place program brings hope to families

More than 19 million older Americans are living in homes that are in disrepair or ill-equipped to safely meet their needs, according to Habitat for Humanity. For many homeowners, much-needed repairs are too costly or difficult to manage themselves.

Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity’s Aging in Place program provides low-cost home modifications and repairs to low-income homeowners who are seniors, veterans and/or persons living with disabilities.

Aging in Place projects run the gamut from building wheelchair ramps to repairing damaged porches, installing grab bars to making roof repairs.

“This is about housing preservation and stepping into our skillset as a builder,” says Sherrana Kildun, chief philanthropy officer for Tacoma-Pierce County Habitat for Humanity.

These repairs fill a crucial need for homeowners — both for their safety and for their quality of life.

“A lot of homeowners we serve simply wouldn’t be able to stay in their homes if they didn’t have certain modifications,” says Tracey Sorenson, director of community engagement for Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity. “They’d have to go to assisted living or an alternative.”

For Pierce County homeowners Gus and Janet Hayes, partnering with Habitat for Humanity to install a ramp in their home was an easy choice. Gus lives with Lewy body dementia, a disease which affects his memory, strength and mobility. Until Habitat for Humanity installed the ramp, he was more or less confined to his home.

“Having the ramp installed was a feeling of relief and hope,” says Janet, who is both Gus’ wife and primary caregiver. Getting Gus to medical appointments had become increasingly difficult, and activities like walking around the neighborhood had become out of the question.

Now, thanks to the ramp, Gus is able to leave the house to take a two-hour walk around his neighborhood and feel the sun on his face.

“There’s no way I could even begin to tell you how much it’s added to my life,” he says.

Habitat’s Aging in Place program advances both housing and health equity for older Americans. Surveys of homeowners who partner with Habitat for Humanity show they are mentally and physically healthier, feel safer at home and engage with their family and friends more.

“Being able to stay in your home is important. It anchors people, especially at a time in life that can be scary as you lose your ability to take care of things yourself,” says Habitat for Humanity volunteer Elly Claus-McGahan, PhD. “Having an organization like Habitat for Humanity that’s trustworthy and shows it cares bolsters your faith in humanity and provides a sense of security and validation.”

“A lot of these homeowners have been in their homes for decades,” says Habitat for Humanity volunteer Givin Chase. “Keeping that comfort and familiarity is very important for caregivers and for the people who live there.”

Gus and Janet have lived in their home since 2009.

“Gus worked very hard to give us a beautiful home and a nice life,” says Janet. “He needs to be able to stay in it as long as he can; it’s wonderful, it’s healthy.”

Like many nonprofits, Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteers. While some volunteers are initially hesitant about their own proficiency with power tools and construction concepts, that shouldn’t deter anyone who wants to help from reaching out, according to Sorenson.

“Fewer than 5 percent of our volunteers have done any type of home construction before,” says Sorenson, explaining that professional staff is on-site at every project to provide training, guidance and safety. Volunteers can also help in other ways, such as staffing a Habitat for Humanity store or providing snacks for other volunteers at a build site.

And the need for support is great. Repair coordinator Virginia Phelps says there is much more demand than current capacity — she could work 80 hours a week and still not reach every eligible homeowner.

“We serve a lot of homeowners that get caught in the middle — maybe they can’t afford all of the repairs themselves, but they don’t qualify for other social services,” Phelps says. “We can provide hope to families who otherwise might feel overlooked.”

Visit Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity’s website for the Aging in Place program application and eligibility information or to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

“Partnering for healing and a healthy future” is MultiCare’s mission, and it inspires us to form connections that help improve the quality of life for our communities. Community organizations all around us are doing amazing work, and we’re inspired and excited to support that work.

Stories from our Community is an ongoing series conceived to dive into some of these organizations*, bring their stories to life and spread the word about how they are making our communities better.

*Some of the organizations profiled in this series are recipients of MultiCare’s Community Partnership Fund, which awards funds to nonprofit organizations working on initiatives, programs and projects that improve our community.