Office Of The Mayor
Thomas M. McMahon


PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

For More Information:
Office of the Mayor 610-655-6234
Office of the Aging 610-478-6500

MAYOR TOM MCMAHON ANNOUNCES FIRST AWARDS IN CITY
OF READING SENIOR CITIZENS MAJOR SYSTEMS GRANTS PROGRAM

For immediate release/July 25, 2006: Mayor Tom McMahon announced the awarding of the first grant in the City of Reading’s Major Systems Grant program today in City Hall. The program, a joint venture between the City of Reading’s Community Development Department and the Berks County Office of Aging provides grants to senior citizens who are residents and homeowners who are having difficulty providing new major systems for their properties. Major systems are defined as roofing, plumbing and heating systems, chimney repairs, and upgraded electrical systems at the source.

The first award has been given in the amount of $2200.00 to a local senior homeowner who had a major plumbing issue. Barbara Coffin, Executive Director of the Berks County Office of Aging stated that “I am delighted that the Office of Aging has been invited to be the conduit for the City’s Major System Grant Program. It is a benefit to be able to provide much needed assistance to our seniors in the community when a major systems failure happens in their housing that they cannot afford.” The Agency has recently had forty two applications to the program and Coffin is pleased to see that the program is moving and that eligible applicants are now benefiting.

The Major Systems Grant is a conditional grant program which is reduced yearly by owner residency in the property for a period of ten years. To be eligible for the MSGP, one must be 65 or older, own and reside in their home. Taxes must be up to date and home insurance must be verifiable.

McMahon explained that this was a recommendation which came out of the Mayor’s Task Force on Housing to continue the Administration’s goal to improve housing stock in the City of Reading. “The Major Systems Grant Program is yet another way to enhance and improve the quality of life for our residents and I am pleased that the Community Development team is continuing their dedication to our seniors with this program.”

Referrals may be made to the Berks County Office of Aging for eligibility requirements and applications at 610-478-6500.