42 elderly Maui residents get home modifications under $670,613 federal grant

Rennovations are now complete on 42 Maui homes under a $670,613 federal grant for low-income, frail and elderly residents.  The Senior Home Accessibility and Retrofit Program (SHARP) is aimed at promoting safety and accessiblity with the goal of allowing participants to remain in their homes where they will be able to continue to live independently. 

Out of the 42 recipients, 36 were on Maui, five on Molokai and one on the island of Lanai.  The average cost per project was $15,000. 

Modifications included removing barriers, and making rennovations to help participants overcome physical limitations through ramps, widening of doorways, tub conversions, roll-in showers, grab bars, handrails, improved lighting, handheld showers, lever handles, and carpet remvoal. 

“It is our hope that we will be able to identify future funding to continue the good work of our Housing division and Habitat for Humanity,” said Lori Tsuhako, the director of the county department of Housing and Human Concerns, the division that administered the grant.

 “This important program has helped many of our frail kupuna remain safe and comfortable in their own homes, especially those whose mobility had become limited due to obstacles such as stairs and difficult wheelchair access,” said Tsuhako.

The completion of rennovations was announced today by Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares; grant funding was secured with help from U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye; and the Habitat for Humanity program on Maui was contracted to perform modifications to the homes of SHARP grant recipients.