FINANCIAL RESOUrces

Accessible home modifications can make daily life safer and easier, but costs can add up fast. The resources below can help many Grand Rapids area homeowners and families pay for accessibility remodeling, bathroom safety upgrades, and other aging-in-place home modifications.

What are Accessible Living Financial Resources?

Accessible living financial resources encompass a variety of programs, grants, loans, and other financial assistance options that support home modifications and accessibility improvements. These resources may be offered by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, private foundations, or through partnerships with financial institutions. The primary goal is to provide funding and support to individuals and families who require modifications to their homes to accommodate disabilities or mobility challenges.

What Funding May Help Cover

  • Walk-in showers and safer bathroom access
  • Grab bars, non-slip flooring, and other fall-prevention upgrades
  • Wheelchair ramp installation and safer entryways
  • Doorway widening and improved home access
  • Other accessibility-related home modifications (based on program rules)

Tips to improve your chances of approval

  • Start with safety priorities (bathroom, entry, stairs)
  • Collect photos and a short list of daily challenges
  • Request written estimates for the work you need
  • Ask what the program covers (labor, materials, equipment, or all three)
  • Keep copies of forms, emails, and deadlines in one folder

Benefits of Accessible Living Financial Resources

Person with hands on hips stands on a blue banner, radiating energy.

More Independence

Funding helps pay for home modifications that make daily routines easier and reduce reliance on others.

Blue and white parallel bars with ramp, likely for physical therapy.

Better safety at home

Improvements like grab bars, ramps, and accessible bathrooms can lower fall and injury risk.

Person in wheelchair using a wheelchair lift to go up a flight of stairs.

Improved quality of life

Accessible spaces support comfort, dignity, and everyday confidence.

Person with three blue stars below, representing feedback or rating.

Support for aging in place

Seniors can stay in their homes longer with the right accessibility upgrades.

Blue dollar sign in a black burst outline.

Less financial stress

Grants, assistance programs, and low-interest loans can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Blue house inside a shield, representing home security.

Long-term savings and peace of mind

Safer homes can help avoid costly accidents and provide reassurance for families and caregivers.

Not Sure What To Do First?

If you want to plan upgrades that fit your needs and budget, start with the areas that usually create the biggest risks.


Good first projects:

  • Bathroom access and safety
  • Main entry and exterior access
  • Lighting and trip-hazard fixes in halls and stairways
CONTACT OUR TEAM
Woman using a stair lift, accessible shower with grab bars, and ramp for wheelchair access.

Accessible living financial resources play a crucial role in empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently, safely, and comfortably in their own homes. By providing financial assistance and support for home modifications, these resources enhance quality of life, promote independence, and foster inclusion within communities. Whether it's installing accessibility features, widening doorways, or retrofitting bathrooms, accessible living financial resources make it possible for individuals to thrive in their living spaces, regardless of their mobility challenges or disabilities.

MICHIGAN ACCESSIBLE LIVING FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Below are resources and programs that provide financial support and relief for individuals and families in order to provide a safe, accessible, and conductive independent living environment.

01

Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)

MSHDA offers several programs and initiatives to assist homeowners with accessibility modifications. The Homeowner Rehabilitation Program provides grants and loans to eligible low-income homeowners for necessary home repairs and accessibility modifications, including ramps, handrails, and bathroom modifications. www.michigan.gov/mshda

02

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

MDHHS administers the Community Living Supports (CLS) program, which provides funding for home modifications and assistive technology to individuals with disabilities who are eligible for Medicaid waiver services. CLS funds can be used for accessibility improvements such as ramps, stairlifts, widened doorways, and accessible bathrooms. www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/adults-and-seniors/acls

03

AREA AGENCIES ON AGING (AAA)

Michigan's 16 Area Agencies on Aging offer a variety of programs and services to support older adults and individuals with disabilities in maintaining independence and aging in place. Some AAA programs may provide financial assistance or referrals for home modifications, accessibility improvements, and assistive devices. Visit Website: 4AMI

04

Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP)

Michigan offers several Medicaid waiver programs that provide home and community-based services to eligible seniors. These programs cover a range of services, including personal care, homemaker services, respite care, and home modifications. https://mi-at.org/

05

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)

MRS offers vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities to help them achieve employment goals and live independently. MRS may provide funding or support for home modifications as part of a comprehensive plan to enhance independence and accessibility. www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mrs

06

Nonprofit Organizations and Foundations

There are several nonprofit organizations and foundations in Michigan that offer financial assistance and support for home modifications and accessibility improvements. These organizations may have specific eligibility criteria and application processes, so it's important to research available resources in your local area.

07

Local Government Programs

Some local municipalities in Michigan may offer financial assistance or incentives for home modifications that improve accessibility and safety for residents with disabilities. Contact your city or county government offices to inquire about available programs and resources.

08

Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

Veterans in Michigan may be eligible for a range of VA benefits and services, including grants for home modifications through the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program or the Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) program. These programs provide financial assistance for eligible veterans to modify their homes to accommodate disabilities related to military service. www.michigan.gov/mvaa

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

01

Specially Adapted Housing Grant

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides grants to Service members and Veterans with certain permanent and total service-connected disabilities to help purchase or construct an adapted home, or modify an existing home to accommodate a disability. www.benefits.gov/benefit/4733

02

Lori's voice

We provide financial assistance for families with children under the age of 21, who are unable to afford adaptive equipment, travel, therapy and other items that are not [fully] covered by insurance or other organizations. Visit Website: Lori's Voice

03

Home Adaptation Loan Options (halo)

Halo offers lower interest rate loans (5-7%) for seniors and disabled homeowners to assist with home renovations, aging in place, home adaptations, and assistive services and technologies. Visit Website: SELF

04

Other Affordability considerations

Home improvement financing


Federal Assistance


Asset Liquidation (stocks bonds, 401ks, IRAs, precious metals, life insurance)

Contributions (savings, crowdsourcing, GoFundMe, inheritance)

Capital improvements for solar or security