Accessible Homes for Seniors (AHS)
ABOUT the AHS Program
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), in partnership
with the Maryland Department of Aging (MDoA), are undertaking a project to promote
accessibility related improvements to the homes of seniors. These improvements may
include, among others, the installation of grab bars and railings, widening of doorways
and installation of ramps. Home improvements such as these represent for many older
people the key to remaining in their home and maintaining their independence.
The program provides zero percent interest, deferred loans for a term of 30 years
to finance accessibility improvements. The program is funded by DHCD under the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program (MHRP)
and is administered by Special Loan Programs. The program is marketed through the
local Area Agencies on Aging.
Eligible Applicants
Those eligible for the Program must:
- Be Maryland residents with at least one resident age 55 or older.
- Generally must own and occupy the home to be renovated as their principal residence.
Seniors living with relatives will be considered on a case by case basis.
- Reside in a home that is structurally sound and free of health and safety hazards.
- Not have any outstanding federal or state tax liens, open bankruptcy or foreclosure.
- Meet income requirements.
The household income cannot exceed 80% of the Statewide or Washington DC MSA median.
If the senior resides in the home of a relative, eligibility is based on the owner’s
income.
Eligible Improvements
Funds may be used to pay for the actual costs of making the house accessible or
functional for the resident. This may include but is not limited to: widening doorways,
installation of accessible showers, ramps, grab bars, and lever handles. Additions
to accommodate first floor bathrooms and laundry rooms will also be considered on
a case by case basis.
Loan Amount and Term
The maximum loan amount will be up to 110 percent of the value of the property taking
into account any superior mortgages. The loans will be offered for terms of up to
30 years and must be repaid upon sale, transfer or refinance of the property. All
closing costs will be included in the loan.
Submitting an Application
AHS Application Form Applications
are available at local Area Agencies on Aging. Assistance in completing the application
is available at the agency or an in-home appointment can be scheduled. Once the
application is submitted, it will be processed by DHCD and the applicant will be
contacted. For more information, you may call the agency listed for your county
or the Maryland Department of Aging:
Area Agencies on Aging
|
County
|
Contact
|
Phone Number
|
|
Allegany |
Jennifer Lytle Glotfelty |
301-783-1752 |
|
Anne Arundel |
Sandy Berkeley |
410-222-4464 |
|
Baltimore City |
Tessa Hill-Aston |
410-396-4932 |
|
Baltimore
|
Betty Evans
|
410-887-2594 |
|
Calvert |
Carolyn Mohler |
410-535-4606 or 301-855-1170 |
|
Caroline |
Irene Garrettson |
410-479-2093 |
|
Carroll |
Debbie Frame |
410-386-3800 |
|
Cecil |
Mary Kahoe |
410-996-5295 |
|
Charles |
Theresa Mason |
301-934-9305, x 5118 |
|
Dorchester, Worcester, Wicomico or Somerset
|
Teri Davidson |
410-742-0505, x 109
|
|
Frederick |
Elly Jenkins |
301-600-1605 |
|
Garrett |
Lynda Weeks |
301-334-9431 |
|
Harford |
Mark Carroll |
410-638-3025 |
|
Howard |
Pam Bilal |
410-313-5980 |
|
Kent |
Kim Porter |
410-778-2564 |
|
Montgomery |
Jennifer Long
|
240-777-3000 |
|
Prince George's |
Dr. Floyd Johnson |
301-265-8450 |
|
Queen Anne's |
Cathy Willis |
410-758-0848 |
|
St. Mary's |
Debbie Barker |
301-475-4200, x 1050 |
|
Talbot |
Peggy Vance |
410-822-2869 |
|
Washington |
Margaret Fishack |
301-790-0275 |
|
Maryland Department of Aging |
Janice MacGregor |
410-767-1087 |
|
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development |
Eileen Hagan |
410-514-7542 |