On behalf of SC UpLift Community Outreach, we thank you for attending today. We know that without the vision and provisions of our Creator and Heavenly Father, none of this would be possible. We give Him all the Glory and Honor. SC Uplift is a community development corporation with a primary focus on helping people improve their quality of life through safe, secure and affordable housing and economic development. Since 2009, we have been able to assist older adults with home repairs to maintain the health and safety of their homes.
We are here today to continue these efforts and announce SC UpLift Community Outreach has been awarded $1 million through the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Older Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP) to make modifications to the homes of older residents in Chester, Fairfield, and Union counties. Thirty-two organizations across the country received these grants. SC UpLift was one of only two organizations in South Carolina. We are thankful to HUD for this opportunity.
Media Kevin E. Wimberly, President & Co-Founder of SC UpLift Community Outreach Kevin E. Wimberly and Joseph E. Gardner, Board President of SC UpLift Community Outreach Leslie Brakefield, i58/Kevin Wimberly, SC UpLift/Dr. Shaun Owens, Suite 65 LLC
We also want to say thank you to our political officials: Senator Lindsey Graham, State Senator Mike Fanning, State Representative Annie McDaniel, State Representative Randy Ligon, Chester Mayor Pro Temp Carlos Williams, Union Mayor Harold Thompson, for providing letters of support as well as community partners, Ms. Theresa Arnold, State Director of AARP, Dr. Melissa Sweetman, Program Director, Wingate University, Ms. Barbara Robinson, Executive Director of Catawba Area Agency on Aging, Mr. Tony Pope, Chairman of MUSC Board-Chester Hospital, Ms. Angela Douglass, Principal, with Douglass Strategy Group, and Ms. Ruth Johnson, Advisory Board Member of the SC State Housing Trust Fund Program for their letters.
SC UpLift along with its partnering organizations, I58, and Suite 65, LLC, will work with seniors to stay in their homes through low-cost home modifications that will reduce older adults’ risk of falling. Examples of these home modifications include installation of grab bars, railings, and lever-handled doorknobs and faucets, as well as the installation of adaptive equipment, such as non-slip strips for tub/shower or stairs.
These investments will enable older adults to remain in their homes – to “age in place” – rather than move to nursing homes or other assisted care facilities.
To be eligible the older adult must be owner of the home, that home be their primary residence, and age 62 or older whose total household income is 80% or below Area Median Income (AMI) for the county in which they reside.
Douglass Strategy Group and PKM Mkt’g & Sales, LLC will be handling our community engagement and marketing efforts to ensure residents of the community are aware of this opportunity.
We anticipate being able to serve homeowners within the next 60-90 days as we are currently completing the contract process with HUD. Interested households may contact our office at (803)691-4742 or e-mail at info@scuplift.org or I58 at (803)209-5553 or e-mail at information@i58helps.org.
Thank you again and we look forward to the opportunity in making an impact to meet the needs of our older adults.
