The Bayfront East Side Taskforce (BEST) unveiled a new mini-grant program for older adults (aged 50+) living in the Historic East Bayfront (E. Front Street to the north side of E. 6th Street, the east side of State Street to the west side of the Bayfront Parkway) this month.
Sponsored by UPMC Health Plan, Marquette Bank, Northwest Savings Bank, and KnoxLaw, this PA DCED Special Project Priority builds on the 2024 AARP mini-grant that BEST received in which they provided free minor home modifications for residents aged 50+ to help them remain in their homes longer and more safely.
“We know from numerous reports such as ‘Aging Our Way, PA’ from the commonwealth and AARP’s studies on aging that most older Americans want to remain in their homes as long as they are able. They love their communities. They are familiar with their surroundings,” said Dr. Marcia K. Farrell, BEST’s Executive Director. “We also know that nearly 95% of the housing stock in the Historic East Bayfront predates 1969, which means many of these homes do not have the accessibility features that newer builds do.”
And, like much of the nation, the BEST neighborhood population is aging as the median age is now about 43 years of age.
“Knowing that sometimes a small change—adjusting the height of a mailbox, providing a raised toilet seat, adding a window air conditioner, installing lever-style door knobs—makes an enormous difference in increasing mobility and accessibility was really exciting to us because it means we can really help a lot of our neighbors,” Farrell added.
The BEST Aging in Place project asks that interested residents, aged 50+ submit a brief application (available on the BEST website and in hard copy at the BEST office) by June 15, 2026. BEST staff will then evaluate applications and begin scheduling home audits to determine which minor modifications would most assist the applicants and then schedule the work. Eligible residents can receive up to $1,500 in minor home modifications that are based on Design for All principles, with the idea that such modifications will assist everyone in the home, regardless of age or ability.
Applications can be accessed on the BEST website at https://besterie.org/what-we-do/resources.html or at the BEST office.
