RRF Foundation awarded the Coalition $53,051

RRF Foundation for Aging has awarded the Coalition for Home Repair $53,051 to support an aging in place cohort for home repair providers.

Through the cohort, the Coalition will educate nonprofits on best practices in home repairs and modifications for low-income older Americans and increase the capacity of participants to secure funding for home modifications. 

The cohort combines a curriculum unique to challenges faced by home repair nonprofit professionals with a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) learning curriculum. The award from RRF will enable 42 home repair professionals to receive their CAPS designation. 

CAPS is a joint program of the National Association of Home Builders and AARP. According to trainer Steve Hoffacker, “The key objective of a CAPS education is understanding what people need to enjoy and function well in their living space by creating accessible environments for any age or ability.”

The cohort will convene in February and conclude in November. The curriculum consists of 5 sessions in addition to CAPS: 

• Reframing Aging - will help participants speak more inclusively about clients
• Ethics of Serving Low-Income Older Adults - about the unique ethical issues facing nonprofit home repair and modification providers
• Overview of Programs and Funding for Repairs & Modifications - an opportunity to learn about a variety of operational program models and funding sources
• The Bigger Picture & Opportunities for Local & National Advocacy - about trends facing low-income older adults, potential solutions, and advocacy opportunities
• Sharing of Best Practices - the best practices developed as a result of the cohort will be presented by a cohort participant at the 2022 ReFrame Conference.
  
  

Becca Davis, Executive Director for the Coalition for Home Repair, said, “We’re so grateful to RRF for funding this new cohort. It will provide a solid foundation for nonprofits who offer aging in place programs across the country, ultimately helping more older adults age in their community in a safe, affordable home.”

After participating in the cohort, home repair professionals and nonprofits will be better equipped to advocate for older adults in local communities, secure new funding opportunities, engage in community education initiatives, and forge critical partnerships. 

The application for cohort participants is now available. The cost to participate in the cohort will be $100, and 42 participants will be able to receive CAPS certification ($1,000 value) - these slots are now full. 

An informational webinar was held on Friday, January 7, 2022. Watch the recording, and view the slides & notes.