Before the Crisis
Before the Crisis
Liz Keller
Aging in Place: Housing Help, Grants, and Safety Programs with Dave Williamson | The Golden Hour
34 minutes Posted Sep 26, 2025 at 4:00 pm.
Welcome to The Golden Hour
Meet Dave Williamson, Housing Services Manager
Aging-in-Place Program: $5K home modification grants
Who qualifies and how to apply
Common fixes: grab bars, tub cutouts, ramps
Contractors, licensing, and homeowner peace of mind
Exploring technology for dementia and safety
Weatherization Program: statewide energy efficiency help
Income guidelines and qualifications
Emergency Home Repair: urgent fixes for safety
Partnering with nonprofits to stretch resources
Medical necessity and accessibility projects
Healthy Homes Program: reducing asthma triggers
Funding sources: HUD, DOE, state programs, county support
What about other counties? How to find help nearby
Why Polk County leads with these programs
The bigger picture: keeping people safely in their homes
Final thoughts and resources for families
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What does it really take to keep seniors safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes?

In this episode of The Golden Hour, Liz Keller sits down with Dave Williamson, Housing Services Manager for Polk County, to uncover the programs that make aging in place possible. From $5,000 grants for home modifications to statewide weatherization assistance and emergency repair funding, Dave shares practical solutions available to families right now.

Together, they explore:

  • How the Aging-in-Place Program helps seniors 62+ with essential modifications like grab bars, ramps, and tub cutouts.
  • Why Weatherization Programs go beyond plastic on windows—think energy audits, blower door testing, and appliance safety checks.
  • How the Emergency Home Repair Program provides a safety net for urgent needs like furnaces, water heaters, or collapsing sewer lines.
  • Partnerships with organizations like EveryStep’s Healthy Homes Program, making a difference for children with asthma.
  • What families in other counties can do to find out if similar programs exist in their communities.

This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, seniors, and anyone working to ensure dignity and safety for older adults at home.

👉 Resources mentioned:

  • Polk County Public Works Housing Programs
  • 211 (United Way) for local referrals
  • Community Action Agencies across Iowa

🎧 Listen now to discover how these programs are changing lives one home at a time.