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Saint Paul, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Small but critical home safety issues left many older adults at risk of falls and struggling with daily tasks. North East Seniors for Better Living launched an in-home repair and safety inspection program by hiring a dedicated staff member to address urgent needs. Visits focused on fixing broken items, identifying fall hazards and talking through other challenges such as transportation, food access or chore help. In one case, a resident regained safe access to his garage after storm damage was cleared. By pairing repairs with personal check-ins, the program helped older adults remain safer at home and created an ongoing way to connect residents with broader support.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Fort Davis, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Mobile Comunidad worked to address safety risks faced by older adults in a rural county with high poverty and limited support for aging in place. Volunteers delivered home safety kits that included lighting, anti-slip tools and other items that made daily tasks easier. Meeting residents in person allowed volunteers to explain how each item could help. Recipients mentioned how useful the kits were and expressed sincere gratitude. The project showed that small improvements can prompt safer living conditions, increased awareness among local leaders and stronger interest in expanding home safety efforts across the county.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Bowling Green, KY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: In Bowling Green's Delafield neighborhood, many older adults face hazards that make aging in place difficult. HOTEL INC addressed this by offering five home safety trainings for 55 residents and creating a display of affordable accessibility products. Volunteers completed simple modifications in 15 homes and distributed dozens of safety items, while more than 150 motion-sensor night lights were provided through trainings and displays. Residents reported greater independence, such as easier kitchen access and reduced fall risks. The effort built trust and sparked conversations about broader livability improvements like sidewalks and parks.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Buffalo, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: To help low-income families rehabilitate their homes, Habitat for Humanity Buffalo held a series of construction skills trainings. Designed to reach people without a background in construction, the workshops focused on plumbing and electrical work. Project organizers say these education efforts ensure individuals are empowered to undertake critical home repairs. Additionally, the nonprofit wanted to help its volunteers understand the communities they serve. To do this, the organization hosted training sessions on topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Organizers report the sessions informed Home Team volunteers about the history of low-income communities and reinforced the importance of Habitat's mission to construct affordable housing.

Buffalo, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: The Dorothy J. Collier Community Center serves residents of all ages, providing free and low-cost meals, exercise classes, social events and more. Organizers with the center hoped to offer residents another option: monthly jazz events. Participants enjoyed performances by local school groups and jazz musicians, received music lessons and enjoyed food from different cultures. Additionally, they had the opportunity to meet and share their needs with local elected leaders, who attended each of the five Jazz Nights. The events allowed the center promote efforts to beautify the community center. Following, project organizers completed an indoor mural in the space. In addition to increasing civic and social engagement, organizers said the Jazz Nights helped the community heal from a traumatic event -- the monthly gatherings kicked off in the wake of a mass shooting in Buffalo and gave attendees space to experience joy and comfort each other.

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