Duke Energy has awarded $225,000 to South Carolina organizations that help seniors make needed home repairs to enable senior citizens to continue to enjoy life in their current homes.
Duke Energy’s Senior Home Repair Program provided 15 qualifying nonprofits grants of up to $20,000 through a request for proposals announced in September.
“South Carolina’s senior population should never have to decide between basic necessities and living out their lives in safety in their own home,” said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina state president. “A simple home repair or safety improvement can be the big difference.”
Each organization will administer the funds based on the nonprofit’s mission, some addressing long waiting lists for such repairs. Grant uses include installing safety handrails in bathrooms, replacing rotting floors, installing handicap ramps and repairing unsafe steps. Grant funding cannot be used for weatherization, energy efficiency upgrades, or solar products and equipment.
Grants were awarded to the following organizations:
- Academic Technology and Wellness Academy (Cherokee County) – $10,000
- AIM – $20,000
- Caring and Sharing Inc. (Georgetown, Florence and Williamsburg counties) – $20,000
- Citizens United for Redevelopment and Economic Stability of Chester – $10,000
- Darlington Long-Term Recovery Group – $10,000
- Habitat for Humanity Greenville County – $20,000
- Habitat for Humanity Spartanburg – $20,000
- Habitat for Humanity of York County – $20,000
- Helping Florence Flourish – $15,000
- Home Works of America, Inc. (Greenwood County) – $10,000
- Marion Dillon Habitat for Humanity – $15,000
- Marlboro County Coordinating Council Inc. – $10,000
- Rebuild Upstate (Oconee and Pickens counties) – $10,000
- Sumter United Ministries – $20,000
- United Way of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Counties – $15,000
“For Florence to flourish, it takes generous neighbors and businesses who are able and willing to invest in the lives of those who find themselves in need,” said Chris Handley, executive director of Helping Florence Flourish. “I’m thankful for the Duke Foundation’s gift of $15,000, which will help us help a homeowner on a fixed income with much needed home repairs.”
“Home preservation and repair are core components of Habitat’s mission because these efforts help ensure the wellbeing of home occupants, contribute to safe home environments and foster thriving communities,” said Jennifer Faner, chief operating officer of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. “Our aging in place strategies focus on ensuring that our neighbors will have the ability to live in their own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of their age, income or ability level. We are so grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for their continued support of Habitat, and their commitment to the Greenville community.”
Written by Duke Energy.