FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT:
Yolanda A. Brown, Program Division Director HUD, yolanda.a.brown@hud.gov
Kevin Wimberly, Co-Founder SC UpLift Community Outreach, kevinwimberly@scuplift.org,
803-691-4742
SC UpLift Community Outreach Awarded HUD Grant
Provided by HUD’s Older Adults Home Modification Program (OAHMP), senior residents of Chester, Union, and Fairfield Counties who qualify will be able to make improvements on their homes
Columbia, SC— SC UpLift Community Outreach has been awarded $1 million to make modifications to the homes of elderly residents in Chester, Union, and Fairfield counties. Thirty-two organizations received grants. SC UpLift was one of only two organizations in South Carolina.
This grant is designed to provide services that will support aging gracefully and with dignity by installing safe, functional home modifications and making limited repairs to meet the needs of low-income elderly homeowners that allow them to age in place, according to HUD. Further, these modifications will reduce older adults’ risk of falling. Examples of these home modifications include installation of grab bars, railings, and lever-handled doorknobs and faucets, as well as the installation of adaptive equipment, such as non-slip strips for tub/shower or stairs.
“Creating a comfortable and safe living environment removed of potentially dangerous issues in their own home could prevent the need for Seniors to move into a nursing home or other assisted living facilities,” said Kevin E. Wimberly, Co-Founder/CEO. “We are ecstatic to receive these funds to help our communities’ seniors.”
“Today we are renewing our commitment to improving our lives of older adults. The funding provided today will enable low-income elderly persons to remain in their homes and will reduce the risk of them falling, improve their general safety, increase their accessibility, and improve their functional abilities in their home,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge.
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About SC UpLift Community Outreach
Established 13 years ago in February 2008, SC UpLift Community Outreach is a nonprofit corporation tax-exempt community housing development organization in South Carolina. Through the vision of Kevin and Tammy Wimberly, SC UpLift mission is to help individuals and families improve their quality of life through the provision of safe, secure, and affordable housing and economic security. We aim to serve as a vehicle through which residents and businesses can work together to solve problems and improve life in their communities.
For more information on SC UpLift Community Outreach organization please call 803.691.4742 or visit our website at www.scuplift.org
SC UpLift Community Outreach + Uplifting and Improving Communities in Need
About HUD
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was organized in 1965. In 1968 the Fair Housing Act outlaws most unfair housing discrimination and gives HUD enforcement responsibility. The Housing Act establishes Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) to expand the availability of mortgage funds for moderate income families using government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities. The Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 introduces the Federal Experimental Housing Allowance Program and Community Development Corporation. Housing and Community Act consolidates programs into a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. In 1977 Urban Development Action Grants gave distressed communities funds for residential and non-residential use. HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.
For more information about HUD and its programs is available at www.hud.gov and https://espanol.hud.gov.