Home Energy Assistance
The Massachusetts’ Home Energy Assistance Program, a resource offered in partnership with the Department of Housing and Community Development, helps eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills — even if heat’s included in their rent! You can complete a free application to determine if you are eligible. Call Community Action Pioneer Valley, the agency for our area, at 413-774-2318 for more information about the program, or to make an appointment to apply in person. Or, apply online: https://www.toapply.org/CA
Two Home Modification Programs for
Older Adults
The MA Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP),
established in 1999 by the state legislature, gives homeowners the opportunity to modify or adapt their homes for a household member of any age with professionally documented limitation(s) or disability. HMLP offers loans from $1,000 to $50,000 to property owners at 0%. Borrowers sign a promissory note, and a mortgage is recorded as a lien against the property to secure these loans. HMLP can also lend from $1,000 to $30,000 to owners of manufactured or mobile homes. Landlords with fewer than 10 units may be eligible for a 3% loan for a tenant who has a functional limitation. Borrowers sign a promissory note and a UCC-1 is filed against the home to secure these loans.
Please note that this is not a home repair program. For instance, HMLP would not be about to rebuild a deck without modifying in it some way. Projects funded by HMLP can include ramps and lifts, bathroom and kitchen adaptations, sensor integration spaces, fencing, as well as accessory dwelling units. This is far from an exhaustive list. If you are curious or have questions, please contract Mike Blasco, 413-223-5228, m way. Projects funded by HMLP can include ramps and lifts, bathroom and kitchen adaptions, sensory integration spaces, fencing, as well as accessory dwelling units. This is far from an exhaustive list. If you are curious or have questions, please contact: Mike Blasco 413-223-5228 mblasco@fcrha/org.
Community Action Pioneer Valley
can help eligible, lower-income homeowners in Franklin and Hampshire Counties, age 62 and older, improve general home safety through no-cost modifications that can reduce the risk of falling, increase accessibility, and improve the home's functional abilities.
Work may include the installation of
- Stair rails
- Grab bars
- Raised toilets with hand rails
- Bathtub cut-outs
- Pathway lighting
- Stair treads
- Temporary ramps
- Tub/Shower transfer benches.
To sign up you can call 413-376-1163, and leave a message or email homerepairs@communityaction.us. Please leave your name, address, phone number and fuel assistance application number if you have one.
If you are not currently receiving fuel assistance, you will need to submit an application. You can decline the fuel assistance benefit if you choose to.
Home Share Program
LifePath's Home Share Program was created to address the lack of affordable housing and the desire of older homeowners to remain in their homes. In the program, two or more individuals may share a home and expenses to their mutual benefit. Home Sharing is for people of all ages, incomes, and abilities.
Home Sharers must be 60 years of age or older, or an individual with disabilities.
Home Seekers could be anyone 18 years of age or older. The Sharer provides a safe, sanitary private bedroom and communal spaces in exchange for rent, help around the home or a combination of the two. For information, contact 413-773-5555 or lifepathma.org.