Access to Home

United Way of Long Island’s Access to Home Program was developed to provide accessibility modifications to homes of low-income individuals in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. The initiative focuses on providing home retrofits, such as ramps, grab rails, wheelchair accessible bathrooms and kitchens, and other necessary modifications that will enable citizens to stay in their own homes, rather than move into assisted care.

Each home is assessed on a case-by-case basis and all necessary adaptations are made to meet the individualized needs of the occupants. United Way will be working across Long Island and plans to modify 40 homes—20 homes in both Nassau and Suffolk counties using maximum grants of $25,000 from the New York State Division of Housing Community Renewal and assistance from the Town of Islip Community Development Agency.

United Way of Long Island has partnered with Town of Islip Community Development Agency, Department of Human Services, EAC, Family Service League, and other community-based organizations to provide human service assistance, such as meals on wheels and case management. The services offered are readily accessible and in turn will help to promote the activities of daily living for persons with disabilities. 

Accomplishments
To date, United Way’s Access to Home Program provided accessibility modifications to 13 homes in both Nassau and Suffolk counties—15 additional projects are currently in progress. These improvements help follow Long Islanders remain in the comfort of their own homes, while living in a more accessible, safer environment.

For more information, contact Elaine Kaleta, Program Coordinator, Green Initiatives, at 631.940.3721.