Wednesday, December 22, 2010
YOUNGSTOWN
Beginning next month, hundreds of older city residents likely will feel safer in their homes, thanks to a program to buy door locks for them.
The Niles-based Area Agency on Aging 11 Inc. is using $10,000 in one-time federal money to buy 800 locks for people 60 and older to allow them to live safely in their homes as long as possible.
The locks will be distributed for free, and will provide security in addition to that offered by deadbolt and conventional locks, noted Garry F. Bonanno, Winner International’s executive director of law enforcement and government affairs. The devices can withstand more than two tons of direct pressure, he pointed out.
Winner International, which manufactures The Club, a vehicle steering-wheel lock, is working with Youngstown and Warren officials to fight crime and protect older people from being victims, he continued.
The door-lock effort is a collaboration among Winner International, the city of Youngstown and city council, Help Hotline Crisis Center Inc., and the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority’s YouthBuild program.
YouthBuild members will install the locks.
Locks will be available in January, but people can call Help Hotline at 211 to be placed on a list to receive them.
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