Revere trust outlines senior home-repair assistance proposal; would require council funding

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board discussed a proposed senior home-repair program to fund accessibility upgrades for older Revere residents who wish to age in place. Board members said the program would pay for items such as wheelchair ramps and handrails and would use eligibility rules similar to the city's first-time homebuyer program.

Board Chair Joe Gravalese said the program cannot be paid from the trust's general funds under the trust's current definition unless the city council or state provides a specific allocation. The proposal envisions applicants who are Revere residents, owner-occupants and seniors, with household income capped at 80% of area median income (AMI).

Under the proposed process, applicants would obtain an estimate from an approved, licensed contractor vetted by the building department; the trust would issue a partial payment up front and the remainder after receiving proof of completion. The board also discussed a clawback provision preventing homeowners from selling the home for a designated period after receiving assistance.

Gravalese told the board the mayor's office and city staff are working on a funding request to the council and expect to have a program application available within weeks, with the Revere Senior Center serving as an application intake point. The board agreed to play an oversight role in vetting applications and monitoring project completion if the council allocates funds for the program.

The board noted it received a proposal from Habitat for Humanity but decided a city-administered program would reduce administrative overhead compared with contracting a third party.