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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.
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See More Projects Like This One
Saco, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Older residents in Saco and nearby towns struggled with limited transportation options, making it hard to reach groceries, social activities and essential programs. Age-Friendly Saco introduced an on-demand shuttle using donated vans, hired drivers and mapped routes based on community surveys. The service now provides rides for errands and social engagement, helping residents maintain independence. One rider said, "I won't drive forever... I'm glad to know this service exists," reflecting its impact on reducing isolation and meeting daily needs.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Toms River, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Older adults in Ocean and Monmouth Counties often miss routine medical care because they cannot drive and lack affordable transportation. The Healthy Hop program tackled this gap by offering free, accessible rides to appointments. In six months, more than 1,000 people enrolled and over 2,100 rides were completed, supported by volunteers and community partners. The effort eased isolation and improved health access while sparking collaboration among local groups. "Thank you so much for getting me to my appointment, I don't know what I would do without you," one participant said, underscoring the program's impact and plans to expand for people with disabilities.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Green Valley, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Valley Assistance Services expanded its volunteer driver program to help older adults in rural Arizona overcome the lack of affordable transportation for medical care and daily needs. Eleven new drivers now provide free round-trip rides for appointments, errands and social activities. This is additionally supported by RN home visits to assess health and mobility. One participant shared that volunteer drivers made it possible to keep weekly oncology treatments, even on short notice, offering peace of mind and continuity of care. Outreach and partnerships ensure the service will keep growing.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Dallas, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing
Description: The community faced a severe housing gap, leaving older homeowners and college students with few affordable options. To address this, Operation Tiny House hosted seminars and design workshops to teach older adults about accessory dwelling units as a way to age in place and generate income. Participants, including older adults and students, collaborated on life-sized ADU prototypes and creative renderings, fostering intergenerational engagement. The project sparked enthusiasm for ADUs as a solution for affordability and independence while strengthening social ties. "It was inspiring to see older adults and students working side by side," organizers said, underscoring the shared purpose.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Dallas, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing stability
Description: Older homeowners in Dallas risked losing homes because unclear property titles blocked aid and made aging in place difficult. Beloved responded with education sessions and media outreach that reached hundreds of people, helped 10 individuals complete Transfer on Death Deeds and distributed fireproof document keepers to safeguard vital records. These steps prompted families to address tangled titles and secure property rights. One participant, after three years of struggling to fix her fathers deed, said she was "excited there was a partner willing to help," and now has the resources to achieve resolution.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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