AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Better Block Foundation (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Transportation Systems Change
└ Transportation Systems Change
Better Block Foundation tackled unsafe streets and missing sidewalks in Dallas, where older adults lacked accessible spaces to gather. The team installed an ADA ramp, added benches at bus stops and introduced speed bumps near a food bank serving 1,800 families. Volunteers transformed a parking lot into a shaded seating area and created market stall designs for future use. The effort prompted city discussions on street redesign and tree planting. As one partner said about the speed bumps, "We are so grateful... It's very dangerous. We have needed them for a long time."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Los Angeles, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Older Asian American Pacific Islanders in Los Angeles faced language and cultural barriers that made public transportation hard to navigate, leaving many isolated. To address this, the group provided in-language travel training, hosted monthly pop-up events at transit hubs and farmers markets and created culturally relevant route maps. Outreach connected with about 4,000 older adults, and volunteers offered one-on-one guidance. The effort secured a five-year city contract to expand language services and influenced policy changes, helping the participants feel connected and empowered with safer, more accessible transit options.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
McLoud, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Older adults in the tribe faced isolation and limited mobility in a rural area with few transportation options. To reconnect tribal elders with cultural traditions and community life, the tribe organized trips, including transportation for 52 participants to the Meskwaki Powwow and a community viewing of Killers of the Flower Moon. These events revived cherished traditions and strengthened social ties. "Without this... I would not have been able to take a trip and see my old friends in Iowa," one elder said. The project prompted policy changes to fund future trips and inspired similar efforts by neighboring tribes.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Long Beach, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Older adults in Long Beach faced severe transportation barriers that kept many from medical care and social programs, deepening isolation after the pandemic. The Healthy Aging Center provided more than 1,000 free taxi rides for appointments, pharmacies and grocery trips, helping residents regain independence and reconnect with community resources. "This program brought me back to life... getting out of the house again after staying at home these past few years has been a blessing," said one participant. The service also improved compliance with health plans and sparked advocacy for sustainable transportation options.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Dallas, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: The project will install temporary crossings, curb extensions and traffic calming elements at a Dallas intersection. These changes will make it safer to walk to bus stops and parks and will guide future permanent street upgrades.
Dallas, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: Older homeowners will receive free critical home repairs and accessibility upgrades. The work will address safety issues with roofs, plumbing, ramps and bathrooms, helping residents stay in their homes.
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 Texas State Office
1905 Aldrich St
Suite 210
Austin, TX 78723
United States