A new low-interest loan program called "HALO" is helping the elderly and disabled with much-needed home renovations.
Ruth Vernon will be 95 next month. She has a masters degree, taught Latin, has never had a surgery, and reads every day. Only one thing bothers her.
"The only thing is I get frustrated when I can’t do the things I want to do," said Vernon.
She uses a walker and was having trouble using her bathroom. Her family wanted her to get it renovated to be more accessible.
"They were pushing me to get it but I thought on no," said Vernon, "how much longer will I be here before I shuffle off the mortal coil?"
But she decided to take their advice. She went to a bank for a loan, but they wanted to charge her 27 percent interest.
"It can be very difficult and we wanted to stay in this house," said Vernon.
Then Vernon found the new program called “HALO” from the non-profit group "SELF."
Halo loans are low-interest loans of only 5 to 7 percent. They’re for seniors and disabled people to do renovations like widening doors, making bathrooms handicap accessible, and much more.
Vernon had her bathroom completely redone with a loan through HALO.
"Now my daughter doesn’t have to worry about me falling," said Vernon.
Now her shower has four grab bars, the toilet is higher, and she can get her walker through the door.
"Looks like I may be here a couple of years more anyway, Jimmy Carter and I," said Vernon.
For information on HALO loans call (813) 900-2237 or visit their website.
