By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper.
Low-income Sandoval County homeowners with disabilities can get wheelchair ramps, wider doorways and walk-in showers on the house — literally — after Rebuilding Together Sandoval County landed a $60,000 grant.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico awarded the nonprofit a Blue Impact grant to expand its Disability Modifications Program, according to a press release from RTSC. The work comes at no cost to homeowners with a medically diagnosed disability.
Crews will build ramps, widen doorways for wheelchairs, convert bathtubs to walk-in showers, swap standard toilets for comfort-height models and install handrails and safety bars.
“These improvements can make an everyday difference for a homeowner,” said Mark Ryerson, RTSC executive director.
The insurer’s Blue Impact initiative funds community programs that address social and economic factors affecting health. Janice Torrez, BCBSNM market lead and president, said “everyone deserves the dignity, safety and independence” of a home that meets their needs.
Applicants must hold the title to their home or have a mortgage on it, and meet income limits based on HUD Section 8 criteria. Homeowners can download an application online or call 505-896-3041 and leave a message for a volunteer. Bring patience along with your paperwork: RTSC reports a lengthy waiting list.
Apply for help from Rebuilding Together Sandoval County:
- Application form: https://www.rebuildingtogethersandoval.org/_files/ugd/b76efc_aa4f46ef17d241bcad39563160b08563.pdf
- Phone: 505-896-3041 (leave a message and a volunteer will call back)
- Eligibility details: rebuildingtogethersandoval.org/apply-for-services
- Online: rebuildingtogethersandoval.org