Grants for seniors

The city has begun a Green Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program to assist seniors needing to make repairs to their primary Bowie residence. Repairs potentially eligible for grants include roofing, siding, insulation, widows, doors, lighting, Energy Star appliance upgrades, heating and cooling systems, and faucet, toilet, shower and water heater upgrades. For information, call 301-809-3072 or visit www.cityofbowie.org.

Helping neighbors

If you have always wanted to help but didn't know how to get involved, consider joining with fellow residents and signing up for the city's Neighbors Helping Neighbors program. This program is open to individuals 18 years of age and older and groups (Scouts, fraternal organizations, youth groups, etc.) that want to volunteer to help elderly or handicapped residents needing assistance with home maintenance or related items. It is not designed to help those who can afford to hire a contractor, but for those who, because of economic concerns, are unable to pay to have necessary work done, such as minor painting, yard debris removal, shrub trimming, etc. Each person who requests assistance is paired with a volunteer who has expressed a willingness and ability to address the concern brought forward. Applications are available on the city Web site, e-mail shein@cityofbowie.org or call 301-809-3014. If you are disabled or a senior citizen (65+) in need of assistance, contact Sally Hein for an application.