Smyrna Renews Commitment to Home Repair Program for Low-income Seniors
Smyrna Renews Commitment to Home Repair Program for Low-income Seniors
May 06, 2025
Smyrna’s senior homeowners have a new reason to breathe a little easier. Through a growing public-private partnership with nonprofit Rebuilding Together Atlanta (RTA), residents aged 62 and older (or with disabilities) are now eligible to receive up to $10,000 in critical home repairs focused on safety and accessibility.
The initiative, discussed at the City of Smyrna’s April 17 Committee of the Whole meeting, is part of the city’s Senior Owner-Occupied Home Repair Program. Backed by a combination of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, donated labor, and corporate sponsorships, the $287,000 program aims to help vulnerable residents stay safely in their homes.
"Repairing Homes, Revitalizing Communities, and Rebuilding Lives"
That’s the motto of Rebuilding Together Atlanta, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that’s spent over 30 years helping metro Atlanta’s most at-risk homeowners address the kind of deferred maintenance that leads to unsafe living conditions and forced displacement. Their work is informed by a 25-point health and safety checklist grounded in HUD-endorsed housing principles such as keeping the home clean, safe, dry, and well-maintained.
To qualify for Smyrna’s assistance, homeowners must meet HUD’s Extremely Low Income (XLI) or Very Low Income (VLI) thresholds, have lived in their homes for at least two years, and maintain basic homeowners insurance. Townhomes and condos are eligible as long as the home is owner-occupied.
The need is real—and growing.
According to Special Projects Manager Carson Haynie, 16% of RTA’s 2024 projects were performed within Smyrna, helping eliminate 146 home hazards across 21 homes. The average beneficiary was 75 years old, 70% were women, and two-thirds of the households served included someone with a disability. Most (65%) were categorized as extremely low income (earning under $24,550/year).
One couple, Andrew (88) and Annette (80), longtime Smyrna homeowners who raised seven kids in their home of 35 years, saw life-changing improvements when referred to RTA by a neighbor. Both faced significant health challenges—he is legally blind with diabetes, and she is recovering from breast cancer and knee surgery. Their home had a leaky roof, poor lighting, no fire safety equipment, and a hazardous hallway. Thanks to a mix of contractors and volunteers, their home now features a new ramp, repaired plumbing, smart lighting, safety bars, and a dry, secure roof.
In their letter of thanks, Annette wrote simply, “So many badly needed things that will help us stay in our home. From the bottom of our hearts, God bless you all.”
How You Can Help
The city is encouraging residents to spread the word about the program. Know a senior in need of help? You can refer them to the city. Skilled contractors and businesses can also partner with RTA. There’s also an opportunity to volunteer or attend the next repair event on May 16.
