Duke Energy Awards $225,000 in Grants to South Carolina Organizations for Senior Home Repairs


01/10/2024


Duke Energy has granted $225,000 to South Carolina organizations that assist seniors in undertaking necessary home repairs, allowing them to maintain their current residences and continue enjoying life. The Senior Home Repair Program by Duke Energy allocated grants of up to $20,000 to 15 qualifying nonprofits through a request for proposals announced in September.
 
Mike Callahan, Duke Energy's South Carolina state president, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the state's senior population doesn't have to choose between basic needs and living safely in their homes. The grants will be managed by each organization based on their mission, with some addressing long waiting lists for essential repairs. Examples of approved uses for the grants include installing safety handrails, replacing deteriorating floors, constructing handicap ramps, and repairing unsafe steps. It's essential to note that the funds cannot be used for weatherization, energy efficiency upgrades, or solar products and equipment.
 
The recipients of the grants are as follows: 
Academic Technology and Wellness Academy (Cherokee County) – $10,000 AIM – $20,000 Caring and Sharing Inc. (Georgetown, Florence, and Williamsburg counties) – $20,000 Citizens United for Redevelopment and Economic Stability of Chester – $10,000 Darlington Long-Term Recovery Group – $10,000 Habitat for Humanity Greenville County – $20,000 Habitat for Humanity Spartanburg – $20,000 Habitat for Humanity of York County – $20,000 Helping Florence Flourish – $15,000 Home Works of America, Inc. (Greenwood County) – $10,000 Marion Dillon Habitat for Humanity – $15,000 Marlboro County Coordinating Council Inc. – $10,000 Rebuild Upstate (Oconee and Pickens counties) – $10,000 Sumter United Ministries – $20,000 United Way of Sumter, Clarendon, and Lee Counties – $15,000 
“For Florence to flourish, it takes generous neighbors and businesses who are able and willing to invest in the lives of those who find themselves in need,” said Chris Handley, executive director of Helping Florence Flourish. “I’m thankful for the Duke Foundation’s gift of $15,000 which will help us help a homeowner on a fixed income with much needed home repairs.”
 
“Home preservation and repair are core components of Habitat’s mission because these efforts help ensure the wellbeing of home occupants, contribute to safe home environments and foster thriving communities,” said Jennifer Faner, chief operating officer of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County.

“Our aging in place strategies focus on ensuring that our neighbors will have the ability to live in their own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of their age, income or ability level. We are so grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for their continued support of Habitat, and their commitment to the Greenville community.”