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City of Fort Collins (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Older adults in mobile home parks faced mounting repair needs that threatened safety and housing stability. The city organized DIY workshops where residents learned to fix leaks, replace furnace filters and improve insulation. Experts provided toolkits and guidance to support the workshops. These sessions boosted confidence and reduced costs, while feedback led to a mini-grant program for roof and skirting repairs. One participant shared, "I fixed my leaky flapper... I never thought I could do something like that," reflecting how the project empowered residents to maintain their homes and avoid costly problems.
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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See More Projects Like This One
Cleveland, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Older residents in Cleveland's Union-Miles neighborhood faced unsafe homes and mounting code violations they could not afford to fix. The program delivered free repairs, from electrical and plumbing fixes to stair and drywall work, plus safety upgrades like handrails and grab bars. Volunteers supported outreach and repairs, helping older adults remain safely in their homes. These improvements not only prevented costly violations but also preserved housing assets for future generations and strengthened neighborhood stability.
Fort Collins, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Residents of mobile home parks, many age 50-plus and on fixed incomes, face costly repairs and safety risks from issues like frozen pipes and poor air quality. The city hosted four hands-on workshops teaching plumbing basics and power tool use, distributed DIY toolkits and offered Spanish interpretation. Participants learned to clear clogs, replace toilet flappers and safely use tools, with microgrants available for repairs. Surveys show 89 residents gained confidence to tackle maintenance and even help neighbors. "Just having the knowledge, tools and support of neighbors... is giving participants the confidence to tackle home repairs they had been putting off," one organizer noted.
Bluffton, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Low-income homeowners often face critical safety repairs they cannot afford, risking displacement and loss of equity. This project exceeded its goal by completing 40 home repairs for families. It was led by residents age 50-plus, making entryways safe and replacing outdated systems. The improvements allowed families to remain in their homes and preserve generational wealth. One homeowner saw her summer power bill drop from over $700 to less than $200 after an HVAC replacement, showing the impact on safety and affordability.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Fort Collins, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Residents of mobile home parks, many age 50-plus and on fixed incomes, face costly repairs and safety risks from issues like frozen pipes and poor air quality. The city hosted four hands-on workshops teaching plumbing basics and power tool use, distributed DIY toolkits and offered Spanish interpretation. Participants learned to clear clogs, replace toilet flappers and safely use tools, with microgrants available for repairs. Surveys show 89 residents gained confidence to tackle maintenance and even help neighbors. "Just having the knowledge, tools and support of neighbors... is giving participants the confidence to tackle home repairs they had been putting off," one organizer noted.
Fort Collins, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance repair and services
Description: This project will host Plumbing 101 and Water Conservation Workshops for residents of mobile home parks and senior apartments. These events aim to build DIY skills, reduce maintenance costs, and support aging in place.
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