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24 For the proposed project, Access Solutions will partner with Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC), a nonprofit organization that preserves, improves and increases affordable housing for low and moderate income individuals and families and assist communities with housing revitalization. GMHC is active in both of the targeted neighborhoods providing housing resources and assisting community residents with construction management and a range of loan programs. In addition to providing funding options and resources, GMHC will help identify older adults who could benefit from home modification services. For the proposed project, certified aging -in-place specialists will be responsible for ongoing service delivery. This includes assessments, modifications, installations, education and follow- up. Access Solutions was awarded a grant from the Longfellow Community Council in 2008 to conduct a similar project in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis, which was completed successfully. In addition to direct services, Access Solutions staff reaches out into the community through networking within the healthcare and building industries, participation in senior services expos and conferences, presentations and distribution of materials at senior centers, churches and community centers. These connections, along with our placement within a large senior -serving organization, help staff to keep abreast of the current trends and issues related to aging in place. Access Solutions' staff has great familiarity and strong partnerships within the home building and remodeling industry. Staff also has the capability to identify sources of funding available to seniors for home modifications and can assists participants in applying for funds they may need to pay for higher cost home modifications. In addition, staff has expertise in services and resources beyond home modification that can help seniors to age in place. This means that Access Solutions staff can ensure that appropriate home modifications are completed by reputable builders at a reasonable cost, and can make participants aware of additional services or products that can further increase their safety and ability to live independently. Project director Alissa Boroff's experience in delivering a variety of services to older adults is extensive and enables her to address a broad range of limitations and needs of older adults. IIer strong background in both design and physical and occupational therapy brings together an understanding of the human body with possibilities for adapting physical environments. In addition to providing direct services, Alissa makes presentations regularly to older adults, families and professionals to educate and promote aging in place and universal design. Her qualifications include the following: Certified Aging -in -Place Specialist (CAPS), State of Minnesota Accessibility Specialist, Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing, Licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. 3. Impact/Need: The City of St. Anthony Village and the City of Roseville have identified the aging of their populations and housing stock as areas of concern. In terms of residents, these are two of the oldest cities in Minnesota, with median age and percent of people over 65 years ranking among the highest in the state. In comparison to the entire metropolitan area, the people of the St.