September is Healthy Aging Month, and for thousands of older adults in Orange County, healthy aging begins with the security of home. A safe, stable house is the foundation for independence, dignity, and quality of life, yet too many seniors face the challenge of homes that no longer meet their needs. Leaky roofs, unsafe flooring, or inaccessible bathrooms can turn daily living into a struggle. That is where programs like Habitat OC’s Home Repair Program, powered in large part by CalHome funding, step in to make aging in place possible.
Why Aging in Place Matters
Most older adults want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. The comfort of familiar surroundings and the support of neighbors can make a world of difference. Research shows that seniors who remain in their homes often experience better mental health, stronger social ties, and a greater sense of independence compared to those who move into institutional care.
Simple modifications like grab bars, ramps, or improved lighting can prevent falls and injuries. Larger repairs, such as fixing a leaking roof, replacing unsafe flooring, or updating bathrooms for accessibility, can transform a home into a safe space for years to come. Without these improvements, older homeowners may face unsafe living conditions or the heartbreaking decision to leave their homes.
The benefits of safe housing extend far beyond comfort. One in four Americans aged 65 and over experiences a fall each year, and in California nearly 27 percent of seniors report falling annually. These incidents often lead to broken bones, head trauma, or costly hospitalizations. At the same time, the cost of nursing care can reach tens of thousands of dollars per year, making prevention and home-based support far more affordable for families and communities alike. With California’s senior population projected to reach more than one in five residents by 2040, ensuring that homes remain safe, accessible, and supportive of independence is both a health priority and a financial necessity.
How Habitat OC Supports Seniors
At Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, we know that a safe and healthy home is central to well-being. Our Home Repair Program provides critical repairs and accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners, many of whom are seniors living on fixed incomes.
Projects can include roof repair, mold and termite remediation, window replacements, electrical upgrades, and accessibility features such as ADA bathrooms or wheelchair ramps. These repairs not only make homes safer but also give older adults the stability they need to continue living independently.
How Repairs Are Funded
Habitat OC’s Home Repair Program is supported through a combination of state funding, private donations, and volunteer contributions. One of the most important state funding sources is CalHome, which provides millions of dollars in forgivable or deferred-payment loans for eligible repairs.
CalHome’s role is unique because it is the only state program dedicated to affordable homeownership and preservation. Without it, Habitat OC would still work to serve seniors through local giving and community support, but far fewer projects would be possible. CalHome allows us to reach more families at a greater scale.
CalHome at Work in Orange County
Through CalHome, Habitat OC currently has:
- $2.7 million in funding available to seniors, low- and very low-income families, and veterans
- Projects ranging from $5,000 to $55,000, offered at zero percent interest and forgivable after 30 years (loans are due if a property changes ownership)
- Mobile home repair and preservation loans available up to $55,000, forgivable over a 20-year period
- 14 applications currently in process and 3 projects already under way (as we publish this), most of them in mobile home parks
These dollars translate directly into safer homes and greater stability for the people who need it most.
A Close Call for CalHome Funding
Earlier this year, the future of CalHome was uncertain. When the Governor’s revised budget in May left CalHome out entirely, thousands of shovel-ready Habitat projects across California were put at risk. Through advocacy from Habitat affiliates and supporters, some funding was ultimately restored in the final state budget.
While this was a victory, it revealed just how fragile CalHome’s future can be. Continued advocacy is necessary to ensure that funding remains available for seniors and families who depend on it.
Why CalHome Matters for Healthy Aging
Programs like CalHome play a critical role in supporting the health, safety, and independence of older adults in our community. By funding repairs and accessibility improvements, CalHome helps seniors remain in their homes longer and avoid preventable health risks.
The impact is practical and measurable. A repaired roof keeps a household safe from leaks and mold. An updated bathroom with grab bars and non-slip flooring prevents dangerous falls. A wheelchair ramp opens up mobility and independence. Each repair reduces risk, improves daily life, and allows older adults to age with dignity in the place they call home.
Stable CalHome funding means more Orange County residents can access these life-changing repairs. As California’s aging population continues to grow, the need for reliable programs like CalHome will only become more urgent.
How You Can Help
There are several ways to join us in supporting healthy aging in Orange County:
- Stay informed and speak up when state funding programs like CalHome are under threat.
- Support Habitat OC’s Home Repair Program by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word to homeowners in need.
- Advocate alongside us so that CalHome remains a lifeline for seniors and families across the state.
Healthy aging starts at home, and with the right support, every senior deserves the chance to live safely and independently for years to come.
