City Relaunching Safer Seniors Program in June

Frankfort senior citizens, disabled veterans, and physically challenged residents can benefit from a program that is relaunching to help these community members with their yards and the exterior of their homes, announced Mayor Chris McBarnes.

A companion program to the Fire and Police Departments’ Safer Seniors Program, the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program involves Frankfort’s Building Inspector Sam Payne and Housing & Property Maintenance Director Kevin Evans visiting those who have requested an appointment to have their yards, and home exteriors evaluated.

The program will relaunch June 2019 with the first appointments scheduled for Monday, June 3, 2019. Residents 65 years and older, disabled veterans, and citizens who have physical challenges that prevent them from taking care of their property can call the Department of Building Services at (765) 654-5278 to schedule an appointment. Home visits will be scheduled and completed on a first come, first served basis.

Everyone is invited to informational meetings that will be held in June. These meetings are an opportunity for the Department of Building Services to provide information about the program and explain how it works. The first meeting will take place on June 11, 2019, at 6 p.m. at Circle Park. The second meeting will be held on June 25, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. at Eastside Park (Lawrence Ferrell Park).

Similar to the firefighters and police officers conducting safety checks at seniors’ homes, the building inspector’s office will conduct exterior evaluations of yards and houses and make helpful suggestions regarding mowing, brush trimming and minor maintenance needs.

“If these homeowners are willing to have assistance, our Department of Building Services will make arrangements for a team of community volunteers to mow the yard or trim back shrubs. It’s all about neighbors looking out for each other and helping where needed,” McBarnes explained.

According to Payne, with spring comes the increased risk of unscrupulous companies convincing senior citizens they need new roofs or gutters when many times that work is not necessary.

“An added benefit of our visits with senior citizens, disabled veterans, and physically challenged residents is that we can confirm what work is actually needed and provide advice that our citizens can trust. As city officials, we have no other motivation than to help residents keep their homes and yards in good condition. By residents scheduling a visit with us, hopefully, we can help them avoid falling victim to the construction scams that often accompany warm weather and outdoor work,” Payne said.

According to Payne, his office will conduct 30-minute site visits and complete a checklist of items needing attention. A copy of the checklist will be left with the homeowner. The original checklist will be kept on file at the Department of Building Services.

Residents who want to participate in this program and individuals interested in being a volunteer can contact Sam Payne at (765) 654-5278