PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
CONTACT PERSON: Ann Van Loan, Executive Director
ADDRESS: Western Resources for dis-ABLED Independence
405 East Omaha, Suite D, Rapid City, SD 57701
PHONE: (605) 718-1930 FAX: (605) 718-1933
The Sturgis Rally Charities Foundation has awarded $1,000 to Western Resources for dis-ABLED Independence for our Home Modification and Adaptive Devices Program. The award will be used within the Sturgis area to pay the cost of construction to build wheelchair accessible modifications. The modifications may include, but are not limited to, the construction of wheelchair ramps, widening of doorways, and modifications to make the bathrooms and kitchens accessible. The program may also purchase adaptive devices (reachers, doorbell indicators, eating utensils, personal hygiene & dressing aids, driving hand controls, environmental controls, etc.) for individuals with disabilities.
Western Resources for dis-ABLED Independence is a 501© (3) organization that provides services to individuals with disabilities in 17 counties in western South Dakota. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive range of services which make it possible for people with disabilities to live as independently as they choose in our community.
On behalf of Western Resources for dis-ABLED Independence, we extend our heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude to the Sturgis Rally Charities Foundation for their gracious support.
$250,000 in Housing Grants Awarded to Western Resources for dis-ABLED Independence and Bank West, Inc.
Two strokes left Lloyd Young paralyzed on his left side. With the help of Western Resources for dis-ABLED Independence (WRDI), Mr. Young was able to install a ramp that has allowed for a safer living environment. “When I used the stairs, I would always lose my balance and fall down the step. I have become more independent and feel much safer now that I have a ramp,” Young said.
Ramp installation is one of the many things WRDI does to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Recently the organization and their partner, Bank West, Inc., received a $250,000 Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant to extend their ability to create safer, more accessible homes.
"The great thing about the program is it provides grant funds to people with disabilities who are primarily low income in order to make their homes accessible," said Ann Van Loan, executive director, WRDI.
With the cost of a wheelchair ramp or bathroom modification averaging $4,500 - $5,000 each, many families and individuals just don’t have the resources to pay for the improvements. The $250,000 AHP grant will be used to provide 25 individuals with up to $10,000 in assistance. Individuals like George Mangold who has utilized funds to improve the functionality of his bathroom. “My new shower has helped me. It has given me more mobility and freedom.”
The grant comes at a time when other funding sources and state and federal government assistance are becoming harder to find. “By the time people reach the doors of WRDI, they have exhausted other means for funding,” Van Loan said. “We work with people of all ages and disabilities, helping them learn the skills to create independence and safety in their own homes.”
Services offered through this program include widening doorways, kitchen and bathroom modifications, installing stair lifts and adding a main floor bedroom. WRDI works to promote homeownership and independent living which allows people with disabilities to remain productive and contributing members of their communities.
“The work WRDI and Bank West, Inc. are doing directly aligns with the mission of the Home Loan Bank. We partner with our members and local organizations to create safe and affordable homes,” said Gary Dodge, vice president and director of Community Investment, FHLB Des Moines. “Each year we set aside 10 percent of our net income to develop affordable housing. In 2010, the State of
If you have questions or would like to apply for the funding provided by Western Resources for dis-ABLED
To learn more about the FHLB Des Moines Affordable Housing Program visit www.fhlbdm.com or call the Community Investment Department
