Euclid Nonprofit Tackles Home Maintenance Challenges for Seniors and Disabled Neighbors

EUCLID, OH — Euclid resident and community advocate Dani Pajak, who ran as an independent candidate for Euclid City Council in 2023, is making a positive impact on his community through his newly established nonprofit, A Better Euclid. Although he didn’t win the seat for Ward 5, Pajak has channeled his dedication to community improvement into a program that assists elderly, disabled, and shut-in residents with essential home maintenance tasks, including lawn care, snow removal, and minor home repairs.

A Better Euclid, founded by Pajak and based on values he championed during his campaign, seeks to address unmet needs for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. The nonprofit’s volunteer-based model provides free services to those who may struggle to afford or perform these tasks on their own. Pajak, a welder and fabricator at Steris and a Navy veteran, described the organization as an extension of his commitment to improving community safety, engagement, and well-being.

"Seeing a lack of initiative from the city, state, and federal government, I began exploring funding opportunities through grants.gov, sam.gov, and the state," Pajak said. "Unfortunately, we’ve had no luck securing funds specific to supporting seniors with services like snow removal, yard work, and other home maintenance tasks."

Despite these challenges, Pajak launched A Better Euclid to meet the immediate needs of elderly and disabled residents. The initiative not only helps with practical tasks but also aims to foster a stronger sense of community by creating connections between neighbors. Pajak explained, “Euclid has always been a community where neighbors step up in times of need, and we see this program as a way to continue that tradition by offering help to those who are elderly, disabled, or shut-in.”

During his campaign for City Council, Pajak prioritized governance transparency, public safety, and economic growth. He held “front yard chats” with residents in Ward 5 to discuss community issues and bring greater transparency to local government. Although he was not elected, Pajak’s community-focused goals remain central to his work with A Better Euclid. “By helping a neighbor with small tasks, volunteers also provide companionship to those who may not have regular visitors,” he noted, highlighting the social impact of the organization’s volunteer efforts.

Pajak and his team hope to expand the program to provide a broader range of services. "While this effort started with snow removal, we aim to extend it to other areas of property maintenance, which can be crucial for those who are unable to manage these tasks themselves," he said. The nonprofit’s long-term vision includes additional resources like a storage facility, transportation, and a full set of tools to support its growing volunteer network.

In addition to A Better Euclid’s home maintenance program, Pajak has organized other community initiatives. One such project includes a paint giveaway in partnership with PPG, and the organization is also raising funds to provide beds and bedroom sets for children in need. "We’ve always seen the people of Euclid step up in response to these needs, but we’re hoping to expand our support network beyond the local community," Pajak said. "With additional backing, we can reach even more people."

Pajak’s nonprofit is rooted in his desire to foster a vibrant, self-sustaining community where residents support one another. During his campaign, he focused on making Euclid safer by advocating for improved community policing and using technology to bolster public safety. These values now shape his work with A Better Euclid, as he looks for ways to help residents maintain their homes, comply with city codes, and stay safe and independent.

The organization is actively seeking additional funding and partnerships to increase its capacity. With support from donors or local businesses, A Better Euclid could purchase much-needed equipment, including a storage shed, a van and trailer, and essential tools to provide more reliable services to residents.

To get in touch with A Better Euclid, you can email abettereuclid@gmail.com