Fall Prevention

Falls are a major cause of injury among people over 65. While there are a variety of reasons for this, unsafe stairs and steps can be a major factor. Habitat’s Critical Home Repair program helps lessen the risk by providing affordable help to homeowners.

In August, construction manager Scott Givens, with the help of volunteers Dean Faris, Mark Morris, and Susan Hosmer, replaced two sets of unsafe steps leading to the rear entrances of Sherry Perkins’ home. They also added a handrail to the front entry steps. As you can see from the before and after pictures, Mrs. Perkins will now be much safer entering and leaving her home.

The team replaced the home’s heater and some windows that were letting a lot of the home’s heat escape. Sherry’s home will be much warmer this winter.

Thanks to your donations, qualified homeowners pay just a fraction of what it would cost through a private contractor. Depending on the scope of the work completed, payments on a 36-month, no-interest loan range from about $25-$50 per month. Homeowners also provide “sweat equity” by helping with the work.