Gloria Wright owns a 50-year-old three-bedroom cement block home that she maintains the best she can on a fixed social security income. But major improvements are beyond her means – like new energy efficient windows to replace the original single pane aluminum frame ones.
“I have wood heat, and had to put plastic over the windows and electric blankets on the beds because it was so cold in here,” she said.
Gloria was thrilled when Creative Compassion, Inc., a housing nonprofit in Crossville, TN, said they could help. CCI serves many low-income seniors in the Upper Cumberland region. As a member institution of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, CCI has access to the Carol M Peterson Housing Fund. Its mission is rehabilitating the homes of seniors. Staff assisted Gloria in securing a no-strings-attached grant to replace the windows in her home. Beyond assistance with the grant application, CCI gave Gloria answers to her questions and assistance with the bidding process for the repairs.
Thanks to the housing fund, CCI was able to help eight senior households in 2024. Upgrades like new windows or replacement roofs mitigate the effects of being low-income homeowners and improve the housing stock in the region overall. There is a great need for aid; all available monies for the year are usually allotted within hours after the application portal opens.
While staff members of CCI were visiting Gloria’s home to celebrate the window project, they noticed her bathroom was also in need of repair. The 1970s era bathtub was cracked and the boards tacked up around it were crumbling. Now Gloria has secured another Carol M Peterson grant to add new safety upgrades like a walk-in shower. With these substantial improvements, Gloria’s home will be ready for her to age in place. She is grateful to CCI for their aid.
