There are quite a number of resources for seniors and disabled people, with some qualifications.  A good place to find out about these resources is your local senior center or social service facilities in your neighborhood.  Here is a sampling of those resources, found in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles: 

California -- Franchise Tax Board; Homeowner and Renter Assistance

 http://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/hra/index.html

 The Franchise Tax Board will allow a once a year payment from the State of California to individuals under a certain amount of income.  This will be the property tax portion they paid on their homes, or as part of their rents.  For the 2003 claim year, the maximum payout is $472.60 for homeowners and $347.50 for renters.  You can even download the form online.  They also have a brochure that explains the program.

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 Homeowner and Renters Free Home Weatherization, sponsored by the Southern California Gas Company: 

You may be eligible if you meet income criteria, and your house or rental unit was built before 1982.  Some types of income, such as SSI, may automatically qualigy you for the programs--please check.

 Includes attic insulation, door replacement, glass replacement, weatherstripping, caulking, water heater insulation blanket, low flow showerhead.  Minor repairs to your home, or rental unit that will make it more efficient.  You may be eligible if you meet income criteria, and your house or rental unit was built before 1982.  The phone number for the local outreach specialist in the San Fernando Valley area -- call 800-932-2933.  Check with your local Gas Company.

 The Gas Company also has a similar program called Direct Assistance Program (DAP). This program offers no cost weatherization and furnace repair or replacement services to income qualified customers.  Call their toll-free hotline at

1-800-331-7593, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.  This is the main referral number of the Southern California Gas Company program.

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Jewish Family Service/Home Secure Free Home Safety Modification

323-937-5855

818-762-5892

 home secure is a nonsectarian program of Jewish Valley Service, which provides free safety modifications for renters and homeowners with limited income.  Their services try to enable people of all ages to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible.  All services are free to eligible renters and homeowners:

Grab bars -- provide support and prevent falls in the tub, shower, and near the toilet

hand-held shower hoses -- for more comfortable bathing -- particularly when a caregiver assists

adjustable shower chairs -- when standing in the shower is difficult

door and window locks -- to secure entry doors and windows

peepholes -- to identify visitors before opening door

the gas shutoff valves (in designated areas) -- reduce risk of fire due to earthquake induced gas leaks

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 East Valley HandyWorker Program (San Fernando Valley)

Sponsored by the Valley Interfaith Council

5000 Colfax Avenue, North Hollywood, CA, 91601 

phone:  818-766-5165

fax:      818-766-1629

 This program is funded by the Department Of Housing, City of Los Angeles

Homeowners may only participate in the East Valley program once every three years.  (If a West Valley resident believes they qualify for this program, they can call DB Consultants at: 818-407-9944 (Fax: 818-407-9947).  Their intake procedures may vary.)

This program is for for low-income seniors and disabled people. 

Types of home repairs provided:

Interior or exterior painting

installation of wheelchair ramps, hand rails and grab bars for the physically challenged

debris removal

installation of smoke detectors, security doors, windows and door locks

repairing countertops and flooring.

Installation of low flow toilets, minor plumbing and electrical work

      The application process: call the East Valley HandyWorkers program  and leave your name, address, and phone number.  You can also fax this information.  They have a waitlist and will call you back as soon as their schedule permits.  There is a prescreening process, and then a screening process, before you are connected to the contractor.   Documentation of income will be necessary.

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 Another suggestion—ask the bank for a reverse mortgage on the equity of your property.  This is a federally-insured program.  This will provide monthly payments.