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Philadelphia, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: Philadelphia's shortage of affordable housing and restrictive zoning left older adults with few options to age in place. The Discovering Philadelphia's Missing Middle project engaged residents through workshops and surveys to shape designs for accessory dwelling units and other housing types. It also hosted a citywide design competition to spark dialogue. The effort raised awareness, produced advocacy materials and built momentum for policy reform. One steering committee member said, "Convenings like this are essential...we need this type of comprehensive thinking in Philadelphia."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Alpine, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: A design competition will create pre-approved universal design ADU models for backyard housing. The models will help families support independent living and expand flexible housing options.
Anderson, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: Anderson County lacks affordable, accessible housing for older adults and people with disabilities, leaving many at risk of unsafe living conditions. The alliance hosted a housing design competition and charrettes to create realistic solutions, adapting plans after Hurricane Helene with virtual outreach and surveys. Five designs were unveiled for public voting, and the winning adaptive reuse concept inspired county leaders to explore converting vacant buildings into housing. Donated land and strong community engagement now position the county to expand options for low-income older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Cedar Rapids, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public Places Other
Description: A pickleball court will be built as part of a new activity center for adults age 55 and older. The court will support regular exercise and social play in an affordable community setting.
Ely, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: The project addressed limited social and recreational options for older residents in Ely, especially during winter, as well as barriers to technology access. The library purchased four VR headsets and hosted events to teach older adults how to use them, offering immersive experiences like virtual travel and nature walks. Participants expressed excitement and plan to return, and the program is evolving into a monthly Virtual Travel Club, creating new opportunities for socialization and learning.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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