nrcshhm-National Directory of Home Modification Resources-Alaska

Welcome to your state/community home modification forum. This forum has been created to give you an opportunity to learn about and contribute to your state's home modification profile.

Where to Get Help:

There are several ways to modify and repair your home. You can: 1) do it yourself, or get a friend or relative to help; 2) hire a handyman or contractor; 3) contact a home modification and repair program. In addition to the programs listed in the Directory, programs can be located through your:

Local area agency on aging
State department on aging
State housing finance agency
Department of public welfare
Department of housing and community development
Senior center Independent living center

Also, consider taking these steps:

Get recommendations from friends who have had similar projects completed.
Hire a licensed and bonded contractor. Be specific about changes you wish to make in advance.
Ask for a written agreement with only a small down payment. Make the final payment only after the project is completed.
Check with your local better business Bureau regarding the contractor's or program's reliability and performance record.

Other Resources:

The NeighborWorks® network is a national network of 220 community-based organizations that helps low- and moderate-income families rent, purchase, and maintain safe, affordable homes. The NeighborWorks® network also revitalizes communities through resident leadership and private and public partnerships.

To locate NeighborWorks® network partner that might offer assistance with home modifications, visit www.nw.org and click on Network Directory. Type in the CITY and select the STATE, then click on ORGANIZATION SEARCH. You can also try calling the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation at (202) 220-2300.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Some local housing agencies utilize portions of their CDBG program to pay for various kinds of home modifications. To contact your local CDBG grantee, call the US Department of Housing and Urban Development at (202) 708-1112.

On the website, click on a state to view contact information for the CDBG grantee in that area.

Anchorage

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES OF ALASKA (1990)
Contact Person	Rose Foster (Information and Referral)
Director	Jim Beck
Address	1016 West 6th, Suite 2005, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone Number	907-269-3570
FAX	(907) 269-3632
Email	jim_beck@labor.state.ak.us
Homepage	http://www.labor.state.ak.us

Fairbanks

Access Alaska
Contact Person	Everett Harrison
Address	3550 Airport Way, suite 3 Fairbanks, AK 99709
Phone Number	907-479-7940
Fax	907-474-4052
Email	Palacc@accessak.org
Date established	1983
Percentage of Clients Aged 60 Years+	50%
No. of persons served/year	75
No. of paid staff	22
Most Common modification/Repairs Provided	Ramps, bathroom, kitchen modifications, accessibility modifications.
Type of Assessment	ADAAG Guide; Uniform Building Codes
Assessor	Everett Harrison
Special Features	Provides information and referrals, if client is not fully or partially covered by grants. Provides transportation, and facilities information.

Lifespan Home Modifications
Contact Person	Karla Zervos
Address	P.O. Box 165-3875, Geist Rd.--Ste. E Fairbanks, AK 99709-3549
Phone Number(s)	(907) 457-5433 (800) 993-1798
Email	lifespan@homemodification.com
Homepage	www.homemodification.com
Primary Population	Alaskans of all ages and abilities throughout interior Alaska and statewide.
Most Common modification/Repairs Provided	Exterior and interior accessibility; kitchen and bathroom modifications; structural adaptations; lighting, electrical, plumbing, and environmental control upgrades. Universal design and site plan reviews; specialized residential contractor or handyman coordination and referral.
Funding Sources	Client, eligible qualifying programs, third parties, bank financing, and insurance.
Non-profit	No
Type of Assessment	Environmental, functional, and Universal Design home/ home planning audits.
Assessor	Staff and contractor with client and/or care provider
Special Features	Certified specialists in adapting private homes throughout Alaska for the changing needs of seniors. Coordination with client, family members, care providers, and community-based services is emphasized. Certifications: -Home Modifications Executive Certificate: University of Southern California, National Center for Supportive Housing and Home Modifications -National Assoc. of Home Builders Certified Aging in Place Specialist

Sitka

Lifespan Home Modifications
Contact Person	Karla Zervos
Address	P.O. Box 65 Sitka, AK 99835
Phone Number(s)	1(800) 993-1798
Email	lifespan@homemodification.com
Homepage	www.homemodification.com
Primary Population	Alaskans of all ages and abilities throughout Southeast Alaska and statewide.
Most Common modification/Repairs Provided	Exterior and interior accessibility; kitchen and bathroom modifications; structural adaptations; lighting, electrical, plumbing, and environmental control upgrades. Universal design and site plan reviews; specialized residential contractor or handyman coordination and referral.
Funding Sources	Client, eligible qualifying programs, third parties, bank financing, and insurance.
Non-profit	No
Type of Assessment	Environmental, functional, and Universal Design home/ home planning audits.
Assessor	Staff and contractor with client and/or care provider
Special Features	Certified specialists in adapting private homes throughout Alaska for the changing needs of seniors. Coordination with client, family members, care providers, and community-based services is emphasized. Certifications: -Home Modifications Executive Certificate: University of Southern California, National Center for Supportive Housing and Home Modifications -National Assoc. of Home Builders Certified Aging in Place Specialist

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