Community Action Pioneer Valley will be awarded $1.25 million from the federal government to help low-income senior citizens remain in their homes through low-cost home modifications.

Energy Director Peter Wingate said the nonprofit plans to use the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) money to install handrails, ramps and bath renovations in approximately 180 homes — all done at no cost to the homeowner. He explained this is a second round of funding received from HUD’s Older Adults Home Modification Program, and the organization is wrapping up the first three-year grant to service 175 homes.

“It was just such a need in the community,” Wingate said. “Something about this grant really resonated with people. That we get to do it for at least another three years is really good news.”

Wingate said all work is inspected by Community Action Pioneer Valley’s trained staff and local contractors are always used so that the HUD money stays in the community.

“We’re not bringing in big crews from the eastern part of the state,” he said.

Wingate added that the most common home modification is handrails installed in bathrooms, specifically in showers or near toilets.

The Older Adult Home Modification Program at Community Action Pioneer Valley is for homeowners ages 62 and up who receive fuel assistance. Homeowners must live in Franklin or Hampshire counties or the Worcester County towns of Athol, Petersham, Phillipston and Royalston.

The modifications reduce older adults’ risk of falling, improve general safety and increase accessibility. The $1.25 million is part of $3.7 million in grants HUD recently awarded. Other beneficiaries include the Lewiston Housing Authority in Maine and the Center for Independent Living in Florida. A total of at least 525 senior families will benefit from the money.

“Today, we are furthering our commitment to improving the quality of life for older adults of limited means,” HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman said in a statement released on Thursday. “These grants provide a critical resource to communities to make low-cost, high-impact home repairs tailored to the needs of the residents.”

“There is a strong connection between health and housing,” Matthew Ammon, director of HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, said in a statement. “It is important that our homes stay safe, healthy and easy to live in, and this program does that, empowering older adults to age in place with dignity.”

Clare Higgins, Community Action Pioneer Valley’s executive director, said the grant money allows people to “age in place” for as long as possible. She said she has heard nothing but positive comments from senior citizens who have received home modifications.

“What I can say is, we’re very grateful and it’s been a very good thing for us,” Higgins said about the HUD grant money. “We’re very happy about it.”

To sign up for the Older Adult Home Modification Program, call 413-376-1163, or email homerepairs@communityaction.us. Leave your name, address, phone number and fuel assistance application number if you have one. If you do not receive fuel assistance, you will need to submit an application. If you live in the North Quabbin region, you can either submit your fuel eligibility letter or complete Community Action Pioneer Valley’s program application.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.