Senior Citizen Home Improvement Is ‘Changing Lives’ | News, Sports, Jobs

The City Council discussed the success of the Senior Citizen Home Improvement program that has been wildly popular in the community during Monday’s work session. Pictured, from left, are City Councilman William Reynolds, R-Ward V, and Housing Committee Chairwoman Marie Carrubba, D-Ward IV.
P-J photo by Timothy Frudd

The Senior Citizen Home Improvement program appears to be making a major impact in the community.

Although the Housing Committee did not meet during Monday’s City Council work session due to the special meeting session on the 2023 budget, the City Council discussed the successful implementation of the Senior Citizen Home Improvement program.

During November’s voting session, the City Council an additional $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding for the Senior Citizen Home Improvement Incentive program. By allocating an additional $500,000 in ARPA funding, the City Council was able to bring the full allotment of the Senior Citizen Home Improvement Incentive program to $1.5 million.

The additional funding was passed in order to cover the remaining projects by approved applicants that were put on hold until additional funding was made available by the City Council.

Last week, Mayor Eddie Sundquist told City Council members that letters had been mailed to each of the approved applicants, letting them know that the additional funding had been made available under the Senior Citizen Home Improvement program.

“I believe everyone who was approved should have had letters mailed last week and should have received them by now.” Housing Committee Chairwoman Marie Carrubba, D-Ward IV, said during this week’s meeting. “I do have a list of all the properties, and I believe it’s at least 193 residents that have been approved for funds for either the aged or senior approval.”

Carrubba said credit should go to everyone involved in the Senior Citizen Home Improvement project, including employees in the Department of Development, the City Council and Lisa Volpe’s office.

“It’s obviously good news to think that 193 residents are getting assistance with a variety of projects that will help, including a wheelchair ramp for someone, which is very near and dear to me in terms of accessibility,” she said.

City Councilwoman Kim Ecklund, R-At Large, asked the city administration if the reimbursement process has been started for residents under the Senior Citizen Home Improvement program. Sundquist explained that the reimbursement process is underway and that some of the projects have already been completed.

“We’ve received some wonderful cards from some individuals that needed very small improvements but have really changed their lives,” he said. “It’s truly a wonderful program.”

The City Council has made the Senior Citizen Home Improvement Incentive program a top priority over the past several months, given the success and popularity of the program with Jamestown residents. After fully funding the program last month, council members have been pleased with initial the results of the program.

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