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
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."
Portland, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: As Portland's housing costs climb, hundreds of households living in manufactured housing parks are at risk of losing their homes. To help residents with home upkeep, Verde provided critical home repairs to seven mobile homes in the Cully neighborhood. The repairs addressed health and safety issues impacting low-income older adults, people with disabilities and families with children. Additionally, the work provided an opportunity for experienced volunteers to share their skills with residents who are new to home repair.
Spooner, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: To help homeowners and renters maintain their homes, Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity created a tool lending library. Volunteers constructed shelving to display a variety of hand and power tools, which library patrons can check out and take home. To increase residents' DIY know-how, Habitat also hosted a series of skills labs for residents. In the future, the nonprofit hopes to create a mobile version of the lending library to use throughout the community.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Rossville, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space improvements to increase highspeed internet
Description: Many residents of Rossville lacked reliable internet access and free places to be active. Local assessments showed high rates of inactivity and chronic disease. Walker County installed a solar-powered charging station with a Wi-Fi hotspot in a new public park, adding seating and a free connection point for people who cannot afford internet service. Its placement along the walking trail lets older adults stay connected while moving, making it easier to exercise, socialize and communicate with family. The county will monitor usage to decide whether to add more stations as park activity grows and continues expanding opportunities for safe outdoor recreation.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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