Age‑Friendly home‑repair program completed nearly 200 projects last year; council asks how to scale funding

The Department of Aging presented data showing measurable impacts from programs designed to keep seniors safe at home.

Key program results
- Age Friendly Home Investment Program (AFIP): In the most recent contract year the department reported 195 larger household projects completed (roof replacements, driveway work and other repairs). The program is funded out of capital project funds; the administration cited an historical AFIP allocation around $2,550,000.
- Chore program and Snow Heroes: The department reported 9,947 chore services in 2025 (grass cutting, leaf raking, indoor chores) and launched a Snow Heroes volunteer matching program that connected 128 older residents with nearby volunteers to clear walks within 48 hours after snow.
- ADRC and outreach: The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) served thousands of unduplicated clients and the department recorded 327 outreach events in 2025.

Council reaction: scale and funding
Council members praised the department's front-line work and asked what additional municipal resources would most expand capacity. Leaders in the hearing said AFIP is effective and that more home repair dollars would be the most direct lever to scale assistance; they also emphasized cross-agency and nonprofit partnerships that can leverage additional grant funds. The department offered to provide more granular waitlist and application-cycle data to council members, and noted many applicants are not homeowners or otherwise ineligible.

Provenance: Department of Aging presentation and council Q&A (topic intro SEG 6640, discussion through close at SEG 7705).