The Sacramento County Age-Friendly Community Initiative micro-grant program funded much-needed home repairs for an older woman living on a fixed income. The grant is part of a one-time fund allocated by former Supervisor Don Nottoli and Agency on Aging Area 4 administers the funds. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - When a 77-year-old Sacramento County resident began facing mounting fines and pressure from her homeowners’ association (HOA) over much-needed repairs to her home, she wasn’t sure where to turn.

Living on a fixed income, the cost of repairs seemed out of reach until Sacramento County’s Senior and Adult Services Division (SAS) stepped in. The division teamed up with community partners to restore her home, resolve her homeowners’ association issues and help her remain safely in the community she has called home for decades.

The homeowner, a widow who raised her children in Sacramento County, reached out for support earlier this year.

With guidance from Sacramento County staff and partners at Agency on Aging Area 4, she began setting goals to both address her immediate housing needs and work with the homeowners’ association to pause fines. Agency on Aging Area 4’s Senior Connections program, which is funded by Sacramento County, supported the woman through the process.

Thanks to the Sacramento County Age-Friendly Community Initiative micro-grant program, repairs such as those to make this deck safe and functional for a Sacramento senior resident were completed. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County

Agency on Aging Area 4 case manager Danielle Neef-Dawes worked with the homeowner throughout the process. The homeowners’ association agreed to stop issuing fines and reduce existing penalties while repair work was underway.

The Sacramento County Age-Friendly Community Initiative (SCAFCI) micro-grant program funded the repairs for the woman’s home.

Dr. Julie Bates with Agency on Agency on Aging Area 4 facilitates the Sacramento County Age-Friendly Community Initiative program. The grant is part of a one-time fund allocated by former Supervisor Don Nottoli and Agency on Aging Area 4 administers the funds.

“This success story is a perfect example of what can happen when county services and community partners come together to support older adults,” Bates said. “Programs like the SCAFCI micro-grants allow us to address real needs quickly and help people remain in their homes and communities.”

By June, the home was power-washed, dry rot was replaced and the entire exterior was freshly painted. Today, the home not only meets homeowners’ association standards but also provides a safe and comfortable place for the 77-year-old to age in place.

Once the repairs were complete, the homeowner reached out to thank everyone who worked on her home and expressed her gratitude through a message.

“The house looks so beautiful! I have no words. Thank you doesn’t seem to be enough. From my heart, thank you so much,” the homeowner said.

Through partnerships such as the one with Agency on Aging Area 4, Sacramento County works to ensure older adults can access resources they need to live comfortably in their homes.

To learn more about Sacramento County’s Senior and Adult Services, visit its website at dcfas.saccounty.net.

Visit the Agency on Aging Area 4 website at agencyonaging4.org to learn more about its programs.