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City of Dalton Housing Authority (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
This project contributed to the City of Dalton Housing Authority's larger efforts to renovate its properties. The Authority hoped to give public housing residents more access to outdoor gathering spaces, so it installed picnic tables in several locations. To increase accessibility, organizers also provided ramps to residents unable to climb stairs. Finally, the Authority updated its laundry rooms. Project organizers say the improvements give residents updated, clean and safe areas to interact with each other, which helps combat social isolation and depression.
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Tulsa, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Unsafe home conditions in Tulsa put older adults at risk of falls and loss of independence. The organization built 10 wheelchair ramps and installed grab bars in bathrooms, while volunteers replaced more than 100 lightbulbs to prevent hazards. These improvements allow clients to age safely in place and reduce fall risks. The project also set the stage for future home safety upgrades. One client shared gratitude after volunteers repaired a shattered storm door the same day, saying the quick response let him enter and exit his home safely.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bethel, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: The Town of Bethel's Age-Friendly Community Initiative created four displays featuring adaptive tools, as well as a catalog with descriptions of each tools and information about where to buy them. One display has been deployed at community outreach events attended by hundreds of residents. Two others are available for nearby communities to borrow for their own events. A local hardware store provided a home for the third display to make adaptive tools available to Bethel residents. In addition, project organizers engaged an occupational therapist to conduct home assessments to help residents determine their risk of falls. Grant funds also supported the local smoke alarm installation and fire escape plan program, conducted in partnership with local fire departments and the Maine Red Cross, as well as the National Fire Protection Association's Be Safe in Your Home initiative.
Houston, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: To support its Chore Corps program, Interfaith Ministries purchased a trailer and outfitted it with tools. The organization's volunteers can borrow the tools to assist older adults with household chores and yard work, helping them age in place in their homes. Through the Chore Corps program, volunteers are each paired with an older adult, who they visit on a weekly basis. In addition, the organization distributed more than 80 space heaters to older adults.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Rossville, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space improvements to increase highspeed internet
Description: Many residents of Rossville lacked reliable internet access and free places to be active. Local assessments showed high rates of inactivity and chronic disease. Walker County installed a solar-powered charging station with a Wi-Fi hotspot in a new public park, adding seating and a free connection point for people who cannot afford internet service. Its placement along the walking trail lets older adults stay connected while moving, making it easier to exercise, socialize and communicate with family. The county will monitor usage to decide whether to add more stations as park activity grows and continues expanding opportunities for safe outdoor recreation.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Chattanooga, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Supporting family caregivers
Description: Family caregivers often face stress and health risks without resources to support their well-being. Lighthouse launched a 12-week program with four pillars: healthy living through gardening and nutrition tips, financial literacy, caregiver advocacy and mental health support. Participants received food boxes, learned to grow produce and used a new self-care manual. One caregiver said the guide helped her advocate for a loved one after a stroke, calling it life-saving. The program will continue refining its approach to sustain impact.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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