In an effort to help older homeowners and residents living on fixed incomes repair their homes, the city is increasing its housing rehabilitation loan program limit by $70,000

The city's Department of Community Services has increased the maximum limit of its Housing Rehabilitation Loan program from $80,000 to $150,000.

The loans allow homeowners to make home repairs, accessibility improvements, and address health and safety issues, according to the city. Income-qualified owner-occupant applicants may obtain interest-free loans and may partially defer repayments for the 15-year term of the loan.

"We urge qualified homeowners to seriously consider tapping into this important program to ensure their homes are safe and comfortable as they grow older," Mayor Mufi Hannemann said in a news release.

Surveys indicate that most older adults would prefer to live at home, "aging in place" as opposed to moving to an institution, according to the city.

The loans will help pay for home upgrades including installation of grab bars, widened doorways, non-skid floors and proper lighting.

Funds for the loan program are made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Development Block Grant program.

Anyone interested in applying for or learning more about the city's Rehabilitation Loan Program can call the Downtown office at 768-7076 or the Kapolei Hale office at 768-3240.

The Community Development Block Grant program provides communities with resources to address a wide range of community development needs, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.