Ability360 is pleased to share that the organization has received a $25,000 grant that will allow for improvements to the homes of at least two Gilbert residents, improving their quality of life by addressing accessibility and safety concerns in their homes.

“We are proud to continue working with the City of Gilbert to make safety a central focus for recipients and families in need of significant support,” says Ability360 President and CEO Christopher Rodriguez. “These funds help us relieve the burden faced by individuals on a fixed income as they try to make their homes safer and more accommodating to their needs.”

The funding for these improvements comes from a federal grant distributed by the Town City of Gilbert. Through the partnership, which was renewed for 2023-2024, homeowners can apply for assistance up to $15,000 in modifications and renters can apply for assistance up to $10,000 in modifications through Ability360.

The no-cost home modification program provides accessibility improvements to homes, including the installation of ramps and grab bars, widening doorways, replacing standard toilets with raised models, and more. The average cost of modifications provided by Ability360 is between $7,000 – 12,000, with many modification projects reaching the maximum amount allowed to properly complete.

According to the American Housing Survey, approximately one-third of dwellings have level one accessibility features such as step less entry, an entry-level bathroom and bedroom, or an interior elevator to access those rooms. Less than five percent of the units observed in the study meet the requirements for level two or higher, presenting greater challenges to individuals living with moderate to severe mobility difficulties.

Applications for the assistance program are already open to Gilbert residents who are income eligible and who have either a permanent disability or are age 62 or older. Applicants will need to have verification of income for each member of the household and will be required to undergo a pre-qualification and in-home assessment before any work begins. Once approved, Ability360 will work with licensed contractors to ensure high-quality modifications are done in a timely manner.

To learn more about Ability360’s home modification program or to apply for assistance, visit ability360.org/home-modifications.

ABOUT ABILITY360
Ability360 continues a 40-plus-year tradition of empowering programs for people with all disabilities. Ability360 offers and promotes programs to empower people with disabilities to take personal responsibility so that they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community. The independent living philosophy states that people with disabilities should have the same civil rights, options, and control over choices in their own lives as do people without disabilities. Ability360 is located at 5025 E. Washington St. Ste. 200, Phoenix, AZ 85034, http://www.ability360.org, 602-256-2245.