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 HOA 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 (AAA4), she began setting goals to both address her immediate housing needs and work with the HOA to pause fines. AAA4’s Senior Connections program, which is funded by Sacramento County, supported the woman through the process. AAA4 Case Manager Danielle Neef-Dawes worked with the homeowner throughout the process. The HOA agreed to stop issuing fines and reduce existing penalties while repair work was underway.
Sacramento County Age-Friendly Community Initiative (SCAFCI) micro-grant program funded the repairs for the woman’s home. Dr. Julie Bates with AAA4 facilitates the SCAFCI program. The grant is part of a one-time fund allocated by former Supervisor Don Nottoli and AAA4 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,” said Dr. Bates. “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 HOA 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.”
Through partnerships like the ones of AAA4, Sacramento County works to ensure older adults can access resources they need to live comfortably in their own homes.
To learn more about Sacramento County’s Senior and Adult Services, visit their website.
Visit the AAA4 website to learn more about their programs.