A primary focus of this organization is to help lower income older adults in the Dayton area, with needed home repairs. It is a goal of this organization that these modifications can help an elder to remain in a home that is comfortable, pest-free, contaminant free, ventilated and well maintained. Ideally these actions will aid in success in living safely and independently. Skilled trades people along with community volunteers will complete the repairs at no cost will provide services.
When talking with Amy Radachi, president/CEO of this organization, she was excited to share that in this past year, Rebuilding Dayton Together volunteers provided repairs to more than 500 homes including both seasonal maintenance, and urgently needed home repairs. As well, the Dayton Foundation’s Del Mar Social Innovation Award for Older Adult Programming recently awarded to Rebuilding Together Dayton a grant to provide “fix it” kits to countywide qualified homeowners. These kits contain easy install items including nightlights, window caulk, non-slip bath mat, stair tread safety tape, carbon monoxide detectors among other items to facilitate successful ageing in place.
The Rebuilding Together Dayton model reinforces the understanding that a well-fitting home not only greatly benefits the deserved homeowner but also helps in enhancing a sense of connectedness with ones neighborhood. Some other suggestions on helping to feel some ownership over ones community include reaching out to neighbors, keeping an eye open for a community member who may need a helping hand, along with participating or volunteering at a library, or community center program.
I also recently learned of a smartphone app called Nextdoor that looks very interesting and may be worth exploring. This app is a free private network for neighbors (based on ZIP code) to, for example, learn about community events, receive suggestions about service providers, connect with neighbors and share volunteer opportunities.
As activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jane Addams wrote so eloquently, “The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life.”
Marci Vandersluis is a licensed social worker and has a master’s degree in gerontology. She is employed as a care manager assisting older adults in the community connect with needed services. Email: marcirobinvandersluis@gmail.com.
Resources
As always, check references and be sensible when sharing private information.
Rebuilding Together Dayton: 937-223-4893 or www.rtdayton.org
Nextdoor: www.Nextdoor.com
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