Duke Energy has awarded $10,000 to Rebuild Upstate to help older adults make needed home repairs

December 20th, 2023

Rebuild Upstate was one of fifteen nonprofits in South Carolina to receive a grant from Duke Energy to support critical home improvements for South Carolina’s Older Adults. Funds are geared towards needed health and safety improvements.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Duke Energy has awarded $10,000 to Rebuild Upstate to help older adults make needed home repairs to enable older adults to continue to enjoy life in their current homes.

Duke Energy’s Senior Home Repair Program provided 15 qualifying nonprofits grants of up to $20,000 through a request for proposals announced in September. “South Carolina’s senior population should never have to decide between basic necessities and living out their lives in safety in their own home,” said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina state president. “A simple home repair or safety improvement can be the big difference.”

Each organization will administer the funds based on the nonprofit’s mission, some addressing long waiting lists for such repairs. Grant uses include installing safety handrails in bathrooms, replacing rotting floors, installing handicap ramps and repairing unsafe steps. Grant funding cannot be used for weatherization, energy efficiency upgrades, or solar products and equipment. 

“Rebuild Upstate has helped more than 1,790 older adults age in place,” says Jake Beaty, CEO of Rebuild Upstate. “These funds will help us grow our program in Oconee and Pickens Counties. This funding will make a real impact for people in the community. We can’t wait to put these funds to work.”

Rebuild Upstate has been serving older adults for 17 years, helping more than 1,790 older adults stay in their homes. Rebuild Upstate has 2 Certified Aging in Place Specialists on staff, a certification offered by the National Association of Home Builders. Those skilled staff will help oversee program funds to maximize their impact to meet the unique needs of each program participant.

 

About Rebuild Upstate:

Rebuild Upstate is a nonprofit organization serving the Upstate of South Carolina. The nonprofit strengthens the communities by providing volunteers and materials to create a safe, healthy, sustainable home environment for disabled, low-income and elderly homeowners. The organization exclusively focuses on repairs and improving existing homes. The nonprofit is also the reigning Chamber Max Heller award recipient. Learn more at www.rebuildupstate.org.