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Protecting homeowners from potential injuries and illnesses lurking in their houses is a reason why our Owner-Occupied Repair Program exists. Fixing a rotting porch step, removing moldy carpet, or making a bathroom accessible can avert the broken ankle or respiratory problems that could send a homeowner to the emergency room.

But data collected by Merced staff shows that 80 percent of homeowners need additional assistance, ranging from transportation, food security, and energy bills to making wills and medical directives.

Merced has a new Resident Services Program initiative for families and individuals enrolled in our home repair program and multifamily residents: the Supportive Services Expansion Program (SSEP).

A caseworker visits the homeowner or apartment resident to talk and assess their needs, connect them to resources, and regularly follow through to ensure the issues are addressed. Merced staff collects data to gauge success. This initiative’s outcomes are that more homeowners will be able to age in place, prevent displacement, and remain connected to their neighborhoods, and fewer apartment residents will experience evictions.

Beatrice is an example of our concern for residents’ well-being and quality of life extending beyond the scope of work done on their homes.

For fifty years, four generations of family have filled her East Side home with laughter and love. But something that the house has never been filled with is cool air. She has never had air conditioning, and with box fans no match for South Texas summers, the house became less inviting to her great-grandchildren. The discomfort from the heat made them dread visiting her in the summer.

Merced leveled the foundation of the house, remodeled the bathroom, replaced all windows—and installed new HVAC—something especially appreciated by her great-grandchildren, whom Williams is caring for this summer.

“I don’t know how I would have made it through this summer without air conditioning,” says Beatrice. “It’s a tremendous blessing.”

Merced SSEP staff learned that Beatrice’s eyesight was deteriorating and that she needed food assistance. We connected her with Lighthouse for the Blind’s Independent Services and they provided her with and installed low-vision living aids assistance including modifications to her stove.

Also, we helped her enroll in food distribution programs, through which she now receives food twice a month at Merced’s Artisan at Willow Springs.

Merced’s concern for the resident’s well-being doesn’t end when a roof is fixed or a bathroom made safer. It doesn’t end when a family moves into an affordable apartment home. It’s a continuing relationship, thanks to the Resident Services Program and the Supportive Services Expansion Program.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]