Jackson Friendly Home has barrier-free accessibility for first time in 138 years | MLive.com “For the first time in more than 100 years, these women will have a home that is free of barriers.”

The deck is connected to a dining room inside the home, and features a few small tables with umbrellas. The project, which began in April, cost about $50,000.

Forty-five women currently live at the home, which provides quality healthcare to women older than 60 in a home-like atmosphere that encourages independence.

The current home was built in 1908, but the organization dates back 138 years ago when the “Home of the Friendless” first opened its doors to orphans and widows of the Civil War.