Governor Corbett Announces Grant Funding for Housing Modifications for Individuals with Disabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 20, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — The Corbett administration today awarded a $75,000 Keystone Communities Accessible grant that will help Washington County residents living with permanent physical disabilities to make modifications to their homes.

“Helping individuals with physical disabilities remain in their homes is an effort my administration is proud to support,” Corbett said. “This grant will help provide modifications to residences to prevent accidents, facilitate caregiving, and make it easier to carry out everyday tasks.”

The Redevelopment Authority of Washington County (RAWC) will receive the grant for the home modification program, expected to assist a minimum of five permanently, physically disabled low to moderate income residents.

Washington County has the third largest population of all the counties in the Pittsburgh area, almost 12 percent or nearly 10,000 people, of all age groups live with permanent physical disabilities and are below poverty level.

Recognizing the need for assistance, RACW began the Washington County Access Program (WCAP) in 2005. WCAP provides access options to low and moderate-income residents with permanent physical disabilities, regardless of their home status (rent or own). It provides options to repair code issues and seeks to eliminate the need for institutionalization.

“We’re very thankful for the support provided by the Commonwealth through the Keystone Communities program,” said William R. McGowen, Executive Director at the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington. “With the funding approved today we will be able to provide much needed housing modifications for some of our residents that need it the most.”

Since 2005, RAWC has received additional funding from accessible housing grants totaling $400,000, helping 47 households to make modifications and necessary health and safety improvements.

Administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Keystone Communities Accessible Housing Program’s goals are to expand individuals’ living options, promote health and safety, and increase their ability to function effectively and more independently in their home.

Governor Tom Corbett’s 2014-15 budget proposal invests more than $34.4 billion in total funds for health and human services programs, delivering on his promise to help those who need it most and providing a sustainable foundation to increase access to quality, affordable healthcare.

In addition to advancing the Healthy Pennsylvania plan, it reaffirms a commitment to preserving the safety net for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, seniors, children and low-income families.

For more information about the Keystone Communities program and other community development initiatives visit www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contacts:

Valerie Caras, Governor’s Office; 717-783-1116
Lyndsay Kensinger, DCED; 717-783-1132