WHITTIER ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE SEEKS MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS


Applications are being sought for membership on the City of Whittier Accessibility Committee. This nine-member Committee is an advisory body under the Social Services Commission which studies access issues and recommends access improvements to assist those with disabilities in the community.

Applicants must be registered voters residing in the City of Whittier, and should have experience with one or more types of disabilities. Meetings are held from 1 to 3 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Senior Citizens Center. In addition, there are various subcommittees and task forces targeting specific accessibility issues.

Those interested in helping to make Whittier a barrier-free community may call Martin Browne, Management Analyst, at (562) 698-2131 for an application or further information.

HOME REHAB PROGRAM BENEFITS THOSE WITH DISABILITIES

The Whittier Accessibility Committee urges low-income residents who need modifications to their homes due to a physical impairment or disability to consider applying for a Home Modification Grant.

The Home Modification Grant Program is an excellent way for low-income residents to obtain such improvements as accessibility ramps, widened doorways, grab bars, handrails and other similar items. This program also serves low-income seniors who need these types of improvements for physical disability or frailty brought upon from age. Grants of up to $3,500 are available for the improvements.

The program is funded by the City of Whittier Community Development Department. Modifications are done by Southern California Rehabilitation Services (SCRS), which provides all of the labor and materials.

Applicants for the modification grants must be owners of a single-family residence within the City of Whittier, including condominiums and townhomes. Renters may also be eligible to participate in the program, with the written permission of the landlord. All applicants must be low-income and meet ALL program eligibility requirements in order to participate in the program. Applications and further information may be obtained from SCRS at (562) 862-6531, ext. 124 Bus.

A second City program available is the Home Improvement Loan Program. It may assist with more extensive and substantial repairs and improvements, such as lowering counters and light switches, as well as general repairs to improve and preserve the quality of the home. This Home Improvement Loan Program provides low or no-interest loans to low-income owner-occupied homeowners. The loans range from $2,500 to $35,000 with a 0-3% interest-bearing loan and terms varying from 5, 10 or 15 years or until the property is sold.

In addition to accessibility improvements; the Home Improvement Loan program may be used for such repairs and improvements as lead-based paint testing and hazard reduction, electrical, heating, plumbing, roofing, stucco application, exterior and interior painting, windows, insulation, concrete driveway, kitchen, bathroom, and flooring repairs and/or replacement. Applications and further information on the Home Improvement Loan Program may be obtained by calling the Community Development Department at (562) 464-3380.