“Staff of the program are reporting great interest with seniors from across the province requesting assistance for repairs ranging from roofing to oil tank and window replacement,” said Minister Currie.

To-date, 147 applications have been received with 50 applicants from Prince County, 56 from Queens County and 41 from Kings County. The Minister reported that, of those applications, 88 applications have been processed with the remainder well underway. Program grants approved to-date total $ 61,827 and the value of the average household grant is $1,188.

“I understand there were approximately 100 applications on file with Provincial Housing Services when the program ended March 31, 2005. Staff have contacted 75 per cent of former applicants who, for the most part, are still interested in the program,” said Minister Currie. “Seniors who were on this waiting list can expect to be contacted by staff by the end of next week,” added Minister Currie.

The annual budget for the program is $350,000 and provides 50 per cent of repair costs up to $1,500 for non-cosmetic improvements to homes of Island seniors. To qualify for the program, individuals must be 60 years of age or older, the combined net income of the applicant and spouse must be under $30,000, the house to be repaired must be the principal residence, and the repairs must be essential to the structure of the building.

For detailed program information or to get a registration form, please contact Provincial Housing Services at (902) 620-3755 or toll-free 1-888-831-8880 or visit www.gov.pe.ca/seniors.