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Center for Transforming Communities (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
Older adults faced heightened safety risks at home, especially related to fire prevention and emergency preparedness. Many residents lacked clear plans, equipment and practical guidance on how to shelter in place during emergencies. The Center addressed this gap by hosting a community safety and preparedness event designed specifically for residents age 50 and over. Participants received hands on education about fire risks, exit planning and the safe use of alternative heat sources, along with fire extinguishers and safety materials to use at home. The event emphasized practical steps older adults could take immediately to reduce risk. One participant, who had experienced a house fire earlier in the year, shared how panic and injury underscored the importance of knowing exits and planning ahead, noting that receiving a fire extinguisher changed how she prepares for emergencies.
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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San Antonio, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Homeowners in San Antonio's repair program often lacked skills to maintain improvements, risking safety and costly fixes. To address this, six workshops trained 128 homeowners age 50-plus on plumbing basics, disaster prep and financial management. Trainers demonstrated safety tools like alarms and fire extinguishers, and participants received items to reinforce lessons. Afterward, all said they'd recommend the training, and the city reported no callbacks from attendees, showing a sign of lasting impact. One participant noted, "I learned about simple plumbing fixes that I can make myself."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Pittsfield, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: An updated guide and workshop will explain home modification loan options and safe aging strategies. Homeowners will receive technical support that helps them plan accessibility improvements.
East Point, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Bathroom safety modifications will be installed in 30 homes of long‑term East Point residents. These updates will reduce fall risks and support safer aging at home.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Memphis, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Many older adults in the Hollywood community lacked clear guidance on how to prepare for disasters, leaving households without plans and uncertainty about insurance coverage. Center for Transforming Communities addressed this gap through two preparedness sessions that walked residents through local risks, insurance basics and practical planning steps. Participants created household disaster plans and discussed the supplies they would need to respond more effectively. One resident said, "I liked the way you broke it down. I understood what you were talking about. It helped me go home and make these changes." Another participant contacted her insurance provider after learning about common coverage gaps. Follow-up check-ins are planned to help residents keep plans current, reinforcing preparedness over time.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Memphis, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: Bike audits will assess safety around Overton Park routes used by cyclists. Community meetings will share findings with city officials for future planning.
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