AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Age-Friendly Honolulu with Honolulu Department of Community Services (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Oahu is home to many older adults hoping to age in place. However, aging homes can make this difficult. Working with Palolo Chinese Home, Age-Friendly Honolulu created the Safe Homes 4 Kapuna program, which provides aging-in-place education, as well as home assessments and modifications, to older adults in the Palolo Valley neighborhood. The program produced print and electronic versions of a booklet, called Hale4Kapuna. The publication includes tips about renters' rights, permitting processes, funding sources and types of home modifications beneficial for older adults, as well as information on home assessments and basic handyman work. The group also provided home assessments to six older adults residing in the Palolo Valley.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Dalton, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: This project contributed to the City of Dalton Housing Authority's larger efforts to renovate its properties. The Authority hoped to give public housing residents more access to outdoor gathering spaces, so it installed picnic tables in several locations. To increase accessibility, organizers also provided ramps to residents unable to climb stairs. Finally, the Authority updated its laundry rooms. Project organizers say the improvements give residents updated, clean and safe areas to interact with each other, which helps combat social isolation and depression.
Banner Elk, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: In rural North Carolina, older adults faced unsafe steps and entryways that left them isolated and at risk of falls. Carolina Cross Connection mobilized nearly 600 youth campers to complete dozens of projects, building ramps, steps and handrails and improving yards for safety. These repairs restored independence and reduced isolation. One neighbor returned home from rehab after volunteers built a ramp, while another said, "These handrails are a blessing... now I can feed my cats and feel safe," showing how the effort transformed daily life.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Portland, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Unsafe housing and costly repairs threatened older adults' ability to age in place in Portland. REACH's Community Builders Program stepped in to complete major fixes, from replacing sewage pipes and restoring bathroom access to installing an ADA-height toilet and repairing roofs. Volunteers and subcontractors also cleared gutters and improved kitchen safety. These repairs eased financial strain and created healthier homes. "Your help allows us to continue to live independently," said one homeowner, reflecting the program's impact on stability and quality of life.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Honolulu, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management
Description: When Bikeshare Hawaii launched its Biki bikeshare program, it found that older adults were not using the resource at the same rate as younger people. In response, it invited Hawaiians age 50 and older to sign up for Biki Social Rides. The rides, held in partnership with Blue Zones Hawaii and the Hawaii Bicycling League, included a tutorial on how to use the Biki app to find stations. Instructors also showed riders how to dock and undock the service's turquoise bicycles. Additionally, Bikeshare Hawaii provided each participant with a helmet and a trial Biki membership.
Honolulu, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: The Age-Friendly Honolulu initiative launched Kind2Kupuna, a public awareness campaign to help shops, restaurants, health care providers and other public-facing businesses better serve older adults. While preparing the campaign, Age-Friendly Honolulu found the most common complaints kupuna had about shopping were difficulties reaching items on shelves, poor customer service and employees failing to smile or not making eye contact. To address these issues, they created a poster featuring ten culturally appropriate tips, including start with aloha, be mindful of memory loss, step into their shoes and make it readable. "A workforce that is more aware and equipped to accommodate physical and cognitive changes with age will be better able to support older adults in many ways, both big and small," Hawaii Pacific University Vice President Sam Moku said.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Hawaii State Office
1132 Bishop Street
Suite 1920
Honolulu, HI 96813
United States