College Park Seniors Committee

College Park Seniors Committee Virtual Meeting October 6, 2021 7:00 p.m. Final Minutes Seniors Committee Members: PRESE ABSEN NT T 1. Woei-Nan Bair X 2. Ann Bolduc X 3. Adele Ellis X 4. Carol Gray X 5. Mary Anne Hakes X 6. Bonnie McClellan X 7. Darlene Nowlin X 8. Arelis Perez X 9. Robert Thurston X Also present : Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth and Family Services; Jeff Dee, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland; Anisha Husain, Rachel Robin; Joi Woods, Contract Secretary I. Guest Speaker Jeff Dee, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland II. Guest Speaker Jeff Dee presented the committee with an overview of the organization. The presentation also highlighted programs that aligned with some of the goals identified by the committee to make home modifications and alterations that support senior residents aging in place. Some discussion highlights included: A. Funds are earmarked for approximately 80 projects each year (approximately $800,000) B. Homes are sold at 0% interest with a monthly mortgage payment of approximately $1100 / month or no more than 30% of the purchase price of the home C. Silent second mortgages are established to prevent the house being resold D. Income eligibility is 80% of the median income; income qualifications are contingent on family size and income to debt ratio E. Homes are built using a universal design that benefits individuals with disabilities  Some of the noted benefits of the Universal Design include, widened door ways, open floor plans, and zero stair entry F. Habitat for Humanity completed projects 1   Habitat for Humanity previously worked with College Park through an affiliate partnership in 2013  Recycle Homes are sold back to Habitat for Humanity when residents relocate  The Rehab Program focuses on reestablishing a home to be up to code and equipped to support the needs of senior residents and residents with a disability G. Jeff Dee provided a brief overview of programs for consideration and support College Park residents who are aging in place 1) HFHMM Home Repair Program –construction-based, intended to identify and address health and safety related repairs within the home o Associated repair costs at a maximum of $1500 o Repair costs are calculated on a sliding scale, out of pocket costs for residents are approximately $750 2) Weatherization – free to homeowners, designed to improve energy efficiency, overall indoor air quality, and comfort. o A house audit is completed to identify all repair needs o Repair services are layered 3) Repair and Accessibility Modification Program (RAMP)- repairs intended to address critical health and safety risks within the home, ensuring that residents can safely navigate their homes. o Residents that own the home, but are unable to afford repairs o HFH provides services from Occupational Therapists and Nurses to support residents in making the house acessible Kiaisha Barber will share communication mayor and council to request allocation of ARPA funds to establish a parternship with Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland . 2  Old Business III. Call to Order Mary Anne Hakes called the meeting to order at 8:14 p.m. III. Approval of Agenda- October 6, 2021 Arelis Perez motioned to approve the agenda. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. IV. Approval of Minutes Arelis Perez motioned to approve the minutes from May 5, 2021 as amended. Bonnie McClellan seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. V. Neighbors Helping Neighbors College Park (NHN-CP) Robert Thurston provided an organizational update Noted discussion points included: A. The Board recently underwent a restructuring. NHN-CP Board Members: Officers: Robert Thurston- President, Samantha Williams- Vice President, Arelis Perez- Treasurer, Rya Griffis-Secretary Members: John Payne, Thelma Martin, Janet Hawley, Theresa Keeler B. The current focus is the internal organization of the board, refining the existing volunteer roster, identifying strengths, and areas of opportunity. VI. AARP Livability update Robert Thurston provided a status update. Noted discussion points included: A. The kick off has been delayed until spring 2022. B. A consultant is working with the subgroup to support planning efforts. C. An intentional focus to increase the City Council’s awareness of AARP’s Livability initiative and its impact across College Park beyond senior residents VII. Directory update and Next steps Carol Grey provided an update about the status of the senior directory. Noted discussion points included: A. The committee was advised by the Communications Director that establishing a city sponsored Resource Directory is limited to publishing city government resources. B. The committee discussed a potential collaboration with NHN-CP to release a local Resource Directory. 3  New Business VIII. 2021-2022 Areas of focus The committee discussed priorities for 2021-2022 A. Housing Opportunities  Identifying funding sources to support establishing an MOU with Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland  Other noted housing focus areas included: o Affordable Housing o Retro -fitting o Aging-in-Place IX. Next Meeting: November 10, 2021 7:00-9:00 p.m. The committee discussed possible agenda items and guests  inviting Angie Burns  Follow up with Habitat for Humanity  Use of ARPA funds awarded to the city to establish a MOU X. Adjournment Adele Ellis motioned to adjourn the meeting . Bonnie McClellan seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m. 4