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.

Houston, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: To support its Chore Corps program, Interfaith Ministries purchased a trailer and outfitted it with tools. The organization's volunteers can borrow the tools to assist older adults with household chores and yard work, helping them age in place in their homes. Through the Chore Corps program, volunteers are each paired with an older adult, who they visit on a weekly basis. In addition, the organization distributed more than 80 space heaters to older adults.

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.