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Senior Home Repair Helps Older Adults Age in Community
When something breaks, Ms. B knows exactly who to call. For more than a decade, CHAI has helped Ms. B stay safe and independent in the home she loves. Since 2013, CHAI has addressed critical issues in her home— from heating and plumbing repairs to fixing walkways and preventing flooding— through its Senior Home Repair and Benefits (SHRB) program. In addition to partnering with Housing Upgrades to Benefit Seniors (HUBS) and Baltimore County Age-Friendly Upgrades for Seniors (BCAUSE), SHRB fills a critical gap by supporting older adults who need ongoing assistance beyond these one-time repair programs. Recently, when Ms. B’s water heater failed and her gas stove began emitting carbon monoxide, she turned to CHAI once again. Even after she had maximized available benefits, CHAI’s Benefits Counselor worked tirelessly to identify alternative resources and advocate on her behalf. Today, Ms. B not only has a new water heater and gas stove but also peace of mind knowing her home is safe once again. Her story shows what makes the SHRB program unique: ongoing support that ensures older adults have somewhere to turn when new needs arise.
