Clinton County’s SHARP program has been helping residents age in place for six years – providing cost-deferred maintenance and accessibility needs to seniors on a fixed income. This year the program will mark an important milestone – surpassing more than one million dollars in grant assistance.
“The program has made such a meaningful impact on our community,” says Program Director Tom Jameson. “If it weren’t for the assistance these grant dollars provide, many of these homeowners would not have been able to stay in their homes or they’d have gotten themselves into unenviable financial situations where they’re borrowing money, or worse, skimping on medicine or food to pay for home repairs.”
Since its 2017 inception, SHARP has helped 122 households with $903,693 in repairs – everything from general upkeep like heating and air conditioning to septic systems and insulation as well modifications like handrails, walk-in showers, and wheelchair lifts.
“This program allows our seniors to age in place in a safer and more comfortable environment,” explains Karen Gregerson, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Farmers Bank. SHARP, or Senior Homeowner Assistance for Repairs Program, was created through a cooperative effort of The City of Frankfort, The Farmers Bank, and The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. Clinton County joined the program in 2021. “Our seniors worked hard their entire lives. All it takes is a disability or a spouse’s illness to eat up their life savings. SHARP gives them the peace of mind they need to live comfortably.”
As a member of The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, The Farmers Bank has access to up to $300,000 annually in grant funds for repairs and other affordable housing initiatives. The funds will be available from the first week in May on a first-come, first-serve basis. The dollars are expected to run out within weeks.
“This is a competitive program,” says Jameson. “We’re up against the clock when the portal opens, so it’s critical we identify our candidates, pre-qualify them, and help them with their applications so they’re first in line when that portal opens.”
SHARP has already identified 27 candidates for 2023 and hopes to help at least a dozen more. Wayne and Barb Fausett were among the lucky ones who received help last year. The SHARP program replaced eleven windows in the home they have owned for 66 years. “My dad was a carpenter, so he always prided himself in doing his own home repairs” says Ruth Jones, one of the Fausett’s three daughters. “But at 89 years old, this was more than he could manage. It is such a relief to know my parents’ house is now airtight and more energy efficient. They are adamant about staying in their home and SHARP made that possible.”
To qualify for the SHARP program, you must be 62 years or older; live in Clinton County; be current and paid for any existing mortgage obligation and property taxes on the property; own your home and have resided in it for at least six months; and have an entire household income of 80 percent or less of the area median income.
Anyone interested must also complete an initial application; agree to work with SHARP to obtain the bids and choose the contractor; collect and provide documentation for identification, income verification, proof of homeowners insurance and current mortgage and property tax status; pay $125 for a title search; and sign a satisfaction of completion and a closing statement at the end of the work.
“At the end of the day, SHARP does so much more than just help seniors on fixed incomes,” Jameson adds. “The project helps keep home values up and provides work for local contractors. It is a win-win-win in our book.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the SHARP program can email Jameson at [email protected].