Happy Holidays from Solon Senior Advocates, Senior Dining, and Senior Support!
If you or someone you know could use a little extra holiday cheer, send Jill an email at [email protected] or leave a message at 319-624-2773. We will make sure our elves drop off a special delivery for you!
Solon Senior Support is doing our annual Giving Tuesday Fundraiser to raise money for programs we support during the year! If you would like to donate, see our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/solonseniorsupport) or checks may be sent to Solon Senior Support, PO Box 131, Solon, Iowa, 52333. Your help is greatly appreciated and 100% goes to our local older adults. The fundraiser will end Monday, Dec. 11.
Johnson County Housing Rehab or Emergency Repair Grant
(By Deanna Robinson, Planner-Housing Specialist, East Central Council of Government)
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors recently allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for home rehabilitation and repair projects. Applications are now being accepted from homeowners/mobile homeowners who are interested in participating. Homeowners may qualify for up to $6,000 or $12,000 to make improvements to their homes.
The program objective is to help keep people in their homes by providing low-income homeowners, including mobile homeowner, assistance with home repairs and modifications that allow residents to age in place, improve living conditions, or make the home more energy efficient, particularly in households with older adults, those with chronic health conditions, and young children.
Qualifying Criteria
• Property must be located in Johnson County but not within the city limits of Iowa City.
• Applicants must own or be purchasing the property or mobile home.
• Applicants must be current on property taxes.
• Applicants must meet income requirements for household size.
• Applicants must be willing and able to occupy the home as their primary residence for three years.
• Property value cannot exceed $250,000.
Examples of eligible projects include
• Roofing and gutter repairs
• Replacement of doors and windows
• Replacement of essential appliances
• Home modifications for aging in place such as grab bars or walk-in showers
• Porch, stair, and deck repairs to address deterioration
• Other repairs that are necessary to address health and safety as determined by the program inspector
Income guidelines for eligible participants (50% of area median income for Johnson County)
• 1-person household — $40,400
• 2-person household — $48,200
• 3-person household — $51,950
• 4-person household — $57,700
• 5-person household — $62,350
How to apply
Email Deanna Robinson at ECICOG at [email protected] or call 319-289-0060.
ERMAR Program
(By Edith Jones, Helping Hands Program Coordinator, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity)
Through the Helping Hands program, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity provides low-income households in Johnson County with emergency repairs and major appliance replacements (ERMAR), critical repairs, and accessibility modifications. The program is designed to make homes safe and livable without creating a financial burden for homeowners.
ERMAR services address pressing issues quickly and include projects such as water heater, furnace, and fridge replacements and repairs to HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. Critical repairs include a whole-house assessment and focus on issues which are detrimental to the home’s integrity and occupants’ health and safety. Examples of projects include roof replacements and flooring repairs. Accessibility modifications enable older adults to age in place and individuals with mobility issues to navigate their homes safely and independently. These projects may include building ramps, widening doorways for wheelchair access, and installing low-clearance showers, grab bars, and raised toilets.
To receive repairs, accessibility modifications, or major appliance replacements, applicants must reside in Johnson County, own their home, and meet income requirements.
For more information or to apply for the program, please contact Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity at 319-338-8949 or visit iowavalleyhabitat.org/helping-hands.
Chair Yoga
Mondays, 12:30 p.m. and Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. (coffee at 9:00 a.m. Wednesdays) at the Solon Public Library. Come join the FREE class. Feel stronger, more balanced, and flexible. Better balance can prevent falls!
People of all ages can benefit from chair yoga, come try it out! Call Jill at 319-624-2773 for questions.