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Adopt a Block Inc. (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Lifelong housing and accessibility
└ Lifelong housing and accessibility
Vacant homes in Baltimore contributed to neglected neighborhoods and limited housing options for older adults with low incomes. Adopt a Block renovated an abandoned house, replacing structural elements and installing new fixtures, flooring and appliances. More than 150 volunteers assisted professional contractors, and the home was donated mortgage-free to a qualifying older adult. The project removed a unused property and provided stable housing, demonstrating how revitalization can create lasting impact and inspire community engagement.
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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Eden Prairie, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: A home-sharing program will connect adults age 55-plus who have extra space with renters looking for affordable housing. Matches are designed to support shared living through companionship, light household help and rental income.
North Conway, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: To help homeowners with extra space in their homes find potential tenants, the Gibson Center created a website. The site features information about homesharing, as well as the option for people looking for rooms to rent to match with those with space to share. Modeled after successful homesharing initiatives in other states, the new homesharing service provides reference screenings and background checks, as well as a guide through New Hampshire's landlord-tenant laws.
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Baltimore, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: This initiative will provide Spanish-language digital training to build on a successful laptop distribution program. Participants will learn skills to use devices safely, access online services and support neighbors as peer educators.
Baltimore, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults in a Baltimore's North Avenue neighborhood needed an accessible place to gather. The project transformed the Red Shed garden with a concrete ADA walkway, a pergola for shade and lighting and spaces for community mosaics. Volunteers created a welcoming event area that now hosts gatherings and cultural celebrations. One participant said, "It means the world to me to be part of building this. We have helped our neighborhood and made something beautiful!"
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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