AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
City of Dalton Housing Authority (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
This project contributed to the City of Dalton Housing Authority's larger efforts to renovate its properties. The Authority hoped to give public housing residents more access to outdoor gathering spaces, so it installed picnic tables in several locations. To increase accessibility, organizers also provided ramps to residents unable to climb stairs. Finally, the Authority updated its laundry rooms. Project organizers say the improvements give residents updated, clean and safe areas to interact with each other, which helps combat social isolation and depression.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Seattle, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Rising home costs and unaffordable repairs left many older adults at risk of losing their homes. Habitat SKKC expanded its aging-in-place services through the CAPABLE program, combining home safety modifications with in-home support from an occupational therapist and nurse. Six homeowners received tailored plans and repairs, from grab bars to handrails, improving safety and independence. The program helps older adults remain in their homes for years, reducing health care costs and preserving community stability while scaling to serve more households.
Banner Elk, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: In rural North Carolina, older adults faced unsafe steps and entryways that left them isolated and at risk of falls. Carolina Cross Connection mobilized nearly 600 youth campers to complete dozens of projects, building ramps, steps and handrails and improving yards for safety. These repairs restored independence and reduced isolation. One neighbor returned home from rehab after volunteers built a ramp, while another said, "These handrails are a blessing... now I can feed my cats and feel safe," showing how the effort transformed daily life.
La Crosse, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: As housing prices rise and homeowners age, many community members in La Crosse are forced to remain in homes that don't meet their needs. La Crosse Public Library staff hoped to help residents keep their homes and gardens maintained, so they launched a tool lending library. Now, residents can check out gardening and home improvement equipment, including ladders, saws, pressure washers and lightbulb changers. Organizers say allowing people to borrow tools helps them avoid pricey purchases and keep their homes from falling into disrepair. The initiative also complements home improvement training offered at the library. "Awesome resource for the community," one resident said of the lending program. "Many thanks for the hard work involved with setting this up and managing this special collection."
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Rossville, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space improvements to increase highspeed internet
Description: This project will add a public charging and internet hotspot station at Adventure Acres Park. The station will help older adults stay connected.
Chattanooga, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Supporting family caregivers
Description: Family caregivers often face stress and health risks without resources to support their well-being. Lighthouse launched a 12-week program with four pillars: healthy living through gardening and nutrition tips, financial literacy, caregiver advocacy and mental health support. Participants received food boxes, learned to grow produce and used a new self-care manual. One caregiver said the guide helped her advocate for a loved one after a stroke, calling it life-saving. The program will continue refining its approach to sustain impact.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Georgia State Office
999 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 1110
Atlanta, GA 30309
United States