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City seeks $1.4 million federal grant to modify homes for older adults, aiming to help seniors age in place
Summary
Omaha staff presented a planned $1.4 million older‑adult home modification grant that would fund roughly 120 home modifications over three years to help residents age in place; city staff described program details, eligibility and administrative costs.
City planning staff presented a federal older‑adult home modification grant award for $1.4 million that would fund home modification services to help older residents remain in their homes.
Why it matters: The grant aims to reduce risk of falls and support aging in place by funding modifications such as grab bars, accessible showers, ramps and other safety improvements. The program is targeted to households at or under 80 percent of area median income (AMI) and includes occupational‑therapist assessments.
Program details: Steve Zivney of the Planning Department said the program would deliver roughly 120 units of service over three years (about 40 units per year) and average approximately $5,000 per home for construction or modifications. Zivney described administrative costs for an occupational therapist assessment (pre‑ and post‑assessment), a program manager to handle intake and scope development, marketing and contractor management. That combination explains why the $1.4 million award covers more than the simple per‑unit average multiplied by 120.
Eligibility and delivery: The program targets residents aged 62 and older at or under 80 percent AMI. The department said it will partner with occupational therapists and community providers (for example, visiting nurses or similar organizations) for assessments and outreach and that the program will prioritize fall prevention and other safety modifications.
Funding status and timeline: Zivney said the award is FY2024 funding and that HUD negotiations were ongoing with grantees; the city expects to complete ordinance and signature steps by mid to late March to meet HUD timelines. He said continuing funding beyond the current grant term will depend on future HUD appropriations and the city budget process.
Next steps: Council heard the presentation and asked technical questions about unit counts, average per‑unit costs and administrative components; the ordinance to accept and disburse the grant will follow the city’s standard ordinance and signature process.
