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Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
Many older adults in Authority housing faced preventable bathroom hazards that made daily routines risky and aging in place harder. Staff conducted in-home assessments, then supplied practical fixes such as grab bars, shower chairs, non-slip mats and adjustable shower heads. Using HomeFit guidance, they addressed immediate needs and explained the Reasonable Accommodation process for longer-term changes. The effort sharpened staff focus on older adult needs during rehab and construction. In one home, a tenant had used a kitchen chair to get in and out of the tub. Staff installed safer equipment, then helped pursue an accommodation that led to a walk-in shower. The project reduced risks and embedded age-friendly practices in ongoing operations.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
Johnsburg, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: In Johnsburg, many older adults with limited mobility faced unsafe bathrooms and hard-to-navigate entrances, putting daily routines and independence at risk. With limited means to pay for fixes, hazards went unaddressed. The committee launched a pilot HomeFit Modification Program and completed improvements in seven homes using volunteers and town staff. Work included entrance and bathroom upgrades and a critical wiring repair that removed a fire risk discovered during a visit. The pilot also prompted public and private commitments to continue the program in 2026 and expand the scope so more households can receive larger safety upgrades.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Charlotte, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Affordable Housing For the Carolinas will offer home safety training and assessments using a structured home safety guide in two neighborhoods. The project will help residents reduce fall risks and improve everyday home accessibility.
Spring Valley, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: In rural communities, older adults faced fall hazards at home but were reluctant to ask for help, making aging in place risky. The project trained volunteers to assess homes and install safety upgrades like grab bars and secured rugs. It also completed multiple improvements and created a stock of equipment for future use. It introduced HomeFit concepts and built trust, with new requests already coming in. One couple said the heavy-duty grab bars installed by volunteers and a local handyman has finally given them secure footing in their bathroom.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Shawnee, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Transportation Other
Description: The housing authority will extend walkways, add an accessible pavilion and install lighting, benches and driver warning signs in two neighborhoods. These changes will create safer routes, reduce conflicts with vehicles and support daily travel.
Shawnee, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Monthly meetings will provide disaster preparedness training for elders of The Absentee Shawnee Tribe at local community centers. The sessions will improve emergency readiness by offering transportation, weather radios and clear instructions on preparedness tools.
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