Hillside

Hillside Cottages

DASH for LaGrange demonstrates a heart for senior citizens through several projects created with them in mind.  One such project is Hillside Cottages, which consists of 20 homes designed for seniors 55 and older. The compact community within the greater Hillside neighborhood features quality constructed homes with appealing architectural details, all within walking distance of one another.

Mrs. Chris Howard, 78, lives in Hillside and frequently visits friends at Hillside Cottages. Even though DASH has not renovated her house or built her a new one, Mrs. Howard says she has been greatly impaced by what DASH has done for her and other senior citizens throughout her community.  She tells her story:

"I have lived on Lincoln Street since 1962 and have wonderful memories here. My house is on the bank, looking over the old Callaway Educational Association building. I used to run down there for aerobics years ago. When I moved here, there was about anything you needed at Hillside - a pharmacy, groceries, carpet, linen, all just down the street. Before my husband died in 2001, he asked me what I was going to do when he wasn't here anymore; he asked if I'd sell out and move and I said, 'No, it's home. I love it here.' He smiled and said that's what he was hoping I'd do.

"But over the years, things had started going down. Some of these landlords were letting the houses run down so bad it was a disgrace to the neighborhood. The crime was getting so bad I was afraid to walk alone at night. I take a lot of pride in my house and in my neighborhood. It was looking rundown but it isn't anymore, and it's because of DASH. Since they started their work here, the houses began to look so much better. Houses that weren't decent to live in before - now they are beautiful. And they cleaned up the neighborhood by getting rid of the crime. I'm not afraid anymore; I sit out on my front porch and have coffee each morning. A few years ago, I thought I might have to move out, but DASH moved in. Personally, for me, it means I can stay in my home.

"Until you take a look, you have no idea how wonderful these homes are - in different styles and different price ranges. If I were looking for a house, this would be a perfect opportunity to have a brand new one. A friend of mine just bought one of the Hillside Cottages. It all started when we went to a street party DASH sponsored and saw all these plans for Hillside Cottages. We started asking questions that DASH was happy to answer for us. My friend, Olan Morris, picked out his lot and bought the first senior cottage. It was summer and DASH promised to have him in it before Christmas and he moved in on December 15, 2004.

"I've been going to the Neighborhood Watch meetings and I've gotten to know a lot of people I never knew, even though I'd lived here so long. I know I watch out for people and hope they'll look out for me, too. You just can't get much better than that."