Critical Home Improvements for South Carolina Seniors Funded by Duke Energy’s $225,000 Grants
GREENVILLE, S.C. — In a significant move to support the senior citizens of South Carolina, Duke Energy has awarded a total of $225,000 in grants to various organizations dedicated to assisting seniors with essential home repairs. This initiative is part of Duke Energy’s commitment to enabling older adults to continue living comfortably and safely in their own homes.
In September, Duke Energy’s Senior Home Repair Program announced a request for proposals, leading to the selection of 15 qualifying nonprofits. These organizations were granted up to $20,000 each to carry out critical home repair and safety improvement projects for seniors. The grants are aimed at addressing a range of needs, from installing safety features in bathrooms to repairing structural issues in homes.
Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina state president, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “South Carolina’s senior population should never have to decide between basic necessities and living out their lives in safety in their own home. A simple home repair or safety improvement can be the big difference.”
The awarded funds will be administered by each organization according to its mission, with some addressing extensive waiting lists for such repairs. The grants are specifically allocated for projects like installing safety handrails in bathrooms, replacing rotting floors, constructing handicap ramps, and repairing unsafe steps. However, it’s important to note that the funding is not designated for weatherization, energy efficiency upgrades, or solar products and equipment.
The following organizations are among the grant recipients, each receiving funds to support their respective missions in aiding senior citizens:
- 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
Chris Handley, executive director of Helping Florence Flourish, expressed gratitude for the Duke Foundation’s contribution, highlighting its impact on homeowners with limited income. Jennifer Faner, chief operating officer of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County, also acknowledged the significance of the grant. She emphasized Habitat’s mission of home preservation and repair as vital for ensuring the wellbeing of residents, contributing to safe living environments, and fostering thriving communities. The Duke Energy Foundation’s support is seen as a testament to their ongoing commitment to the community and the wellbeing of its senior residents.
