By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A new statewide program will help people with disabilities add wheelchair ramps, widen doorways and make other modifications that will allow them to continue to live independently at home.
The $7.5 million statewide program was created by legislation sponsored by state Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, working with the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living and RAMP, a local nonprofit that serves people with disabilities.
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The home modification program was announced Monday in a news conference at RAMP, 202 Market St., in downtown.
“This initiative is dedicated to enhancing accessibility and safety within the homes of individuals facing physical challenges,” said John Herring Sr., executive director of the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living. “These home modifications will encompass a broad spectrum of improvement for eligible Illinois residents, from wheelchair ramps, widening doorways to accessible bathrooms, ergonomic fixtures and so much more at a time when safe, accessible and affordable housing for persons with disabilities is at a critical shortage.”
The program is open for any Illinois resident with a documented disability who earns less than 200% of the area median income. In Rockford, the area median income is $82,400, according to figures from Fannie Mae. That means Rockford applicants would earn roughly $165,000 or less, according to the grant parameters.
“The home modification program will allow people with disabilities to live comfortably at home while saving taxpayers money and relieving stress on our caregiver shortage,” West said. “I am honored to have helped pass this legislation, and I am deeply grateful to the Centers for Independent Living that helped make this a reality. I look forward to helping Illinoisans across our state live independently in their homes.”
Eric Brown, systems change coordinator at RAMP, said his office gets calls every day about home modifications. Now, RAMP can help direct people toward grant funding that will help make the improvements.
“We get regular calls from residents of the communities we serve, asking about funding for modifications,” Brown said. “I look forward to being able to reach out to those residents to share with them that we found a solution.”
How to apply
To qualify for the home modification grant you must:
- Be a resident of Illinois
- Have a documented disability
- Have an annual income of 200% of the area median income or less. In Rockford, the area median income is $82,400, according to figures from Fannie Mae. That means Rockford applicants would early roughly $165,000 or less.
To apply, contact RAMP, 202 Market St. in Rockford, at 815-968-7467 if you live in Boone or Winnebago counties.
If you live in Stephenson County, call 815-233-1128; or call 815-756-3202 if you live in DeKalb County.
For other areas of the state, find your local organization by visiting incil.org. Or go directly HERE.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas