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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 Juan, PR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Home assessments will identify essential daily living equipment needed by older adults. Staff will provide safety tools and instruction to support independent and safer living.
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.
West Memphis, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Community trainings will teach older adults and their families how to use a home safety guide. Affordable products and demonstrations will support safer aging at home.
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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
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