A Movement for Legacy Homeowners
Atlanta is changing. Like many cities across the nation, growth brings opportunity—but it also brings challenges, especially for our city’s most long-standing residents. At House Proud, we work hand in hand with some of Atlanta’s most senior homeowners—our legacy neighbors—who have watched the city evolve over decades.
For many, this change has come with feelings of isolation, fear of displacement, and mounting pressures from investor scams, insurance loss, rising property taxes, and code enforcement issues.
That’s where Be Neighborly comes in.
Be Neighborly is a movement created to stand in the gap for Atlanta’s legacy homeowners through advocacy, education, and celebration. Our mission is to foster meaningful connections between long-term residents and new neighbors—while providing practical support to help seniors age in place with dignity and pride.
What We Do
Be Neighborly Block Parties
We take it to the streets—literally. Each Be Neighborly Block Party shuts down a street and transforms it into a vibrant, collaborative work site and celebration zone. Corporate sponsors and over 100 volunteers join forces in teams, each led by a licensed contractor, to complete home beautification projects like:
- Painting
- Landscaping
- Deck and porch repair
Meanwhile, the party is in full swing with food, music, custom t-shirts, and neighborly energy. Small signs placed in each yard encourage connection—featuring messages like:
- “Ask your senior neighbor about the history of your neighborhood.”
- “Offer to pull in your senior neighbor’s trash can.”
These events do more than refresh homes—they refresh community spirit and help shield seniors from code enforcement actions, while restoring pride in ownership.
Legal Clinics & Senior Housing Fairs
On the third Thursday of every month, we host Be Neighborly Legal Clinics in partnership with the City of Atlanta’s Office of the Public Defender. These one-on-one sessions connect legacy homeowners with city case managers and legal experts to help them navigate:
- Code enforcement issues
- Property rights and ownership
- Housing-related legal challenges
In addition, two to three times a year, we hold Be Neighborly Senior Housing Fairs. These resource-packed events bring together trusted partners like:
- Atlanta Legal Aid
- Invest Atlanta
- Fairway
- Other housing-related nonprofits and city services
These fairs empower homeowners with knowledge about their property taxes, estate planning (wills and trusts), and other essential topics.
Why It Matters
Our legacy neighbors built the very communities we now call home. Be Neighborly is how we say, “We see you. We value you. We’re in this together.” Through hands-on care, legal guidance, and festive neighborhood engagement, House Proud is helping senior homeowners stay rooted—right where they belong.
Be Neighborly. Because community isn’t just about where you live—it’s about who you live with.
