Programs → Residential Access
Residential Access
The RA Program helps set goals and identify the solutions and home modifications needed to make homes safer and more accessible. By building or installing various home modifications, CIL’s Residential Access Program helps residents live more safely and independently in their homes. Sign up for the program and schedule a home assessment by emailing our Residential Access Coordinator at jbenson@thecil.org.
Find our program intake packet here.
Examples of modifications include:
Exterior lifts or ramps
grab bars, standing poles
Flexible shower hoses
Flashing doorbells
Tactile stair tread
Handrails and much more
Outside of the City of Berkeley
In Oakland, Alameda, Emeryville, Piedmont and Albany we offer home modification consultations. Due to lack of funding in these areas, we are unable to offer the same level of support and services that are possible in Berkeley. By consulting local government websites, there are often available tax credits or loans for “Home Modification.” The CIL RA program can help navigate this and other resources.
Within the City of Berkeley
The City of Berkeley has set aside HUD funds with the goal of keeping people with disabilities living independently and safely through funding home modifications. With these funds, we help prevent institutionalization, displacement, and houselessness in some cases. If approved, you may receive funds to improve accessibility needs within your home.
This program is free for low income Berkeley residents who have a disability or are 62 years or older, regardless of if you are a homeowner or renter. Only for City of Berkeley residents. Must show proof of income, occupancy, and other required documentation.
If you do not fit the requirements for this program, we are available for consultations to discuss the best ways to make your home more accessible.
For reference, the following table shows the income limits in 2025 for what the City of Berkeley considered low to moderate-income:
Number of Persons in Household
Income Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
<30% | $33, 600 | $38,400 | $43,200 | $47,950 | $51,800 | $55,650 |
31%-50% | $55,950 | $63,950 | $71,950 | $79,900 | $86,300 | $92,700 |
51%-80% | $87,550 | $100,050 | $112,550 | $125,050 | $135,100 | $145,100 |
Source: HUD User FY 2025 Income Limits Documentation System: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2022/2022summary.odn
Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) 2025 Federal Poverty Level Chart: https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines
* HUD Consolidated Plan (CDBG) & Consolidated Plan’s Definitions (24 CFR 91.5 (d); 24 CFR 91.5) refers to following as:
- Very Low Income Level category as “Low Income”
- Low Income Level as “Moderate Income
.
As a temporary solution to improve accessibility, CIL has a Loaner Ramp Program. If you or someone you know needs to access a threshold of one or two steps, we sometimes have a selection of one to six foot ramps available to loan. We also accept donations if you or someone you know has a ramp or other assistive technology that is no longer needed, as long as it is clean, in good condition, and we have space in our collection! Please visit our Loaners & Repairs page for more information.
Sponsors and Partners
Access Stories
Julia's Story
Shown during the 2019 Ed Roberts Awards, “EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ACCESS” shows how partnerships between Berkeley community organizations can benefit residents like Julia. Thanks to the Berkeley Fire Fighters Association for their support!
Margie & Luis
Reach out if you need Residential Access services
If you have any issues using this form please call us at 510-841-4776 or email us at info@thecil.org.
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