Story 11: Helping Homeowners Age Safely in Place
In 1979, INHS launched the Mini‑Repair Program, now known as the Minor Repair Program. At INHS, we like to call it the heart of the organization.
Originally funded for three years through the federal Small Cities Program, the initiative was created to help older homeowners remain safely and comfortably in their homes as they aged.
As inflation increasingly strained households with fixed incomes, many homeowners found it difficult to keep up with basic maintenance and repairs. The Mini‑Repair Program was designed to address this challenge by providing minor home repairs to Ithaca residents age 62 and older and to residents with disabilities who had low incomes. To make the service accessible, homeowners paid only for the cost of materials. The program proved so successful that it became permanent, completing more than 1,200 repair projects by 1989.
Today, the Minor Repair Program continues to provide timely, professional‑quality repairs that help homeowners maintain safe and healthy living conditions. The program now serves homeowners age 60 and older, individuals with disabilities, and single heads of household with dependents across Tompkins, Schuyler, Tioga, and Chemung Counties. INHS has preserved the program’s original structure by offering skilled labor at no cost and, when funding allows, assisting with the cost of materials.
To date, INHS has completed nearly 10,000 repairs, helping homeowners preserve their independence and remain safely in their homes. For many, the Minor Repair Program makes the difference between aging in place and being forced to relocate.
Donna and Mason, who received services through the program in 2023, shared their gratitude:
“It matters a lot for our dignity,” Donna said. “It just felt good knowing someone cared enough to have programs like this to help folks like us.”
Thank you to our donors and funders that make this program possible.
Homebuyer Class: VIRTUAL April 21 and 28 & May 5 and 12
