Press Release: United Way Home Repair Grant
News Release
For Immediate Release
Palouse Habitat for Humanity Receives Grant from United Way of Moscow/Latah County
Moscow, Idaho. (July 25, 2022) — United Way of Moscow/Latah County provided $2275 to support the Palouse Habitat Home Repair Ramps & Rails program this year.
The Palouse Habitat Home Repair program currently focuses on exterior accessibility improvements for low- and very low- income homeowners around Whitman and Latah counties. While volunteers may assist with simple exterior repairs, the main service is installing wooden or aluminum accessibility ramps. The program operates like a library, where individuals referred by Disability Action Center Northwest or local health care professionals can receive a ramp for as long as needed. Some ramps are in place only a few weeks during recovery from surgery. Other ramps have been in place for years. Once the ramp is no longer needed, Palouse Habitat retrieves the ramp and installs it at the next home. Ramps are installed by volunteers from Palouse Habitat and local Lions Clubs.
Since launching its Home Repair program in 2013, Palouse Habitat has served 254 individuals across the Palouse region. “The United Way helped us launch the Palouse Habitat Home Repair program. Our first year we completed 3 projects. In 2021 we completed 43, and we’re on track to match that number again this year. We wouldn’t be where we are without The United Way’s steadfast support. Safe access to and from home is critical for those with limited mobility, so they can safely visit their doctor, shop for food, or just connect with friends and family. A ramp is often the key for them to continue living in their own homes,” shared Jennifer Wallace, Executive Director.
Funds from the United Way grant will cover purchase of wooden ramp components and travel expenses for the volunteer team.
About Palouse Habitat for Humanity
Palouse Habitat for Humanity is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, and has been building simple, decent, affordable housing in Latah and Whitman counties since 1992. Its mission is to serve our neighbors in need by helping eliminate poverty housing on the Palouse and worldwide. Palouse Habitat just completed its 21st home and has started construction on Home #22 in Moscow. Habitat homes are built with volunteer labor and help from the future homeowner. Habitat homeowners are selected based on need, willingness to help build the home (including up to 500 hours of “sweat equity”), and specific income criteria including the financial ability to purchase the home from Palouse Habitat after completing their partnership requirements.