What ever happened to the Mr. Fix-it Program here in 'Downtown Edison?"

Just wondering what ever happened to the Mr. Fix-It Program here in ‘Downtown Edison.’ As I remember, back in 1995 former Mayor George Spadoro was able to secure a $50,000 annual grant to fund a Mr. Fix-It program. 

As I understood it, this program enabled senior citizens to continue to live in their homes for longer periods of times - often years.  This grant paid for the Mr. Fix-it van, all tools and materials and the salary of the designated Mr. Fix-it.

Mr. Fix-it handled, free of charge for eligible seniors and later for the disabled, all small repairs to their home and property.  The eligible homeowner had only to call the Senior Citizen Center on Woodbridge Avenue to schedule an appointment. 

The office staff determined eligibility and within a day or two, but sometimes within hours, Mr. Fix-it was at their door ready to install grab bars in bathrooms; fix leaky faucets; secure shaky banisters; replace broken window panes and screens;  change light bulbs; replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; check to make sure electric outlets were not overloaded with extension cords; put air conditioners in windows in spring/summer and take them out for storage in autumn/winter; check for objects in the home that could endanger the homeowner; and sometimes, just spend a few extra minutes speaking to a senior who didn’t have many visitors, letting them know that they are valued residents of our community.  

Since I know the only Mr. Fix-it in Edison retired, it seems the program retired also.  There has been no one that I can see that is employed in this capacity to fill this very important position. 

Many seniors depended on this service for personal and financial survival.  That, of course, is the primary concern but there is another matter that has not been discussed – What happened to that $50,000 grant? 

Has it been absorbed into the general fund, is it being used for another purpose or has Edison Township just lost this source of revenue?

  

Seems like someone over there at 100 Oligarchy Blvd. should be able to explain what happened to the Mr. Fix-It program. 

So, Señor Lankey - while I recognize that you're busy now campaigning and all, but can you enlighten us all on the status of the Mr. Fix-It Program?

Anyhoo, as a senior myself, it's hard to understand why they would take this help away from those who really need this kind of help the most.