Helping Seniors Stay Safe at Home
An important note: Our Aging In Place and traditional Home Repair Programs are not accepting applications until January 2026. Any applications received before then will be held for processing. Thank you for your patience.
Aging in Place Overview
At Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, we understand that a home is more than just a place to live—it’s where life unfolds. That’s why our Aging in Place Program focuses on helping older adults (60+) stay in the homes they cherish, with safety and dignity. We offer personalized support, including home repairs and modifications, to ensure that aging in place is a comfortable and sustainable choice. From critical home repairs like roof replacements and new windows to small modifications, like grab bars, ramps, and tubcuts – our Aging In Place Program is making a big difference in our community.
Our model integrates healthcare professionals to ensure holistic care of the homeowner, not just home modifications. We have two PTs and one OT contracted to complete our “Holistic Assessments”, exhaustive reviews of a homeowners current health and IADLs (Independent Activities of Daily Living). We use the Holistic Assessment in concert with our Construction Site Assistant scope to create a prioritized list of home modifications that will help the homeowner to continue to live safely in their home.
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County is the recipient of the Older Adults Home Modification Program grant through HUD. For three years we’ll be using the $900,000 award to serve 120 senior (62+) homeowners. Through our new connection to the HUD OAHMP grant network, we were linked up with UPitt to participate in their HUD Technical Studies Grant (“Get Smart: Integrating Smart Technology Into Evidence Based Home Modification Programs to Support Safe Aging In Place”. We’ll be participating in focus groups to better understand the feasibility of adding smart home technology as options on the OAHMP approved list of modifications.
We are committed to helping our senior neighbors in Summit County live comfortably and confidently in their own homes. Our mission is to ensure that aging doesn’t mean leaving, but thriving in a safe and supportive environment.
For more information, please click here: www.hfhsummitcounty.org/aginginplace/
Age Friendly Seal of Approval
We’re proud to share that Habitat for Humanity of Summit County was recently awarded the Age-Friendly Charity badge on BBB.org, recognizing our continued commitment to helping seniors live better, safer lives in their homes. This honor reflects the heart and hard work of our entire team and the trust of our community.
We’re Here for You and Your Loved Ones
Jessica Goldbourn, Northern Summit County Neighborhood Network Manager is actively involved in the Western Reserve Hospital Senior Coalition, where she participates in events and helps distribute resources to attendees. Both she and Marissa Little, VP & Chief Program Officer, serve on the Age-Friendly Summit County Committees and regularly attend Akron Age-Friendly meetings, demonstrating their commitment to senior advocacy and engagement. Rob Doerschuk, Southern Summit County Neighborhood Network Manager, has also contributed by attending several meetings with the Barberton Active Seniors group. Additionally, the team has partnered with the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) and the University of Akron (UA) to implement their home maintenance module, further expanding their outreach through this collaboration.
While we are not currently taking applications for Aging in Place repairs, we want our community to know: we’re still here as a resource. Whether it’s information, referrals, or just someone to talk to about home safety concerns—we’re happy to help however we can.
Please call our offices at 330-745-7734 ext. 206 or stop in to 2301 Romig Rd. Akron, Ohio.
Together, we’re building homes, community, and hope in the Summit County community.