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Community Partnership on Aging (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults, yet many lacked practical strategies to prevent them. The organization hosted educational sessions and distributed safety kits with items like nonslip strips, LED lights and gripper socks, along with the HomeFit Guide. Social activities such as fall prevention bingo reinforced learning and encouraged engagement. Participants reported feeling more confident and appreciated tools that made daily tasks easier. "I'll feel safer in the shower once I use these nonslip strips," said one attendee, reflecting the project's tangible impact on home safety.
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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Portland, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Older adults in Portland faced fall risks and lacked access to affordable home safety solutions, especially those with language barriers. ReFIT responded by hosting six outreach events, sharing multilingual HomeFit Guides and safety items, and installing 22 grab bars plus other modifications like ramps and railings. These changes help residents age in place with confidence and dignity. "I feel so much safer now... I just didn't know who to ask about getting this done," said one client, reflecting the project's lasting impact on independence and peace of mind.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Macomb, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: This project will use vetted volunteers to conduct home safety visits for low-income older adults. Volunteers will drive to homes and use checklists of easy fixes to make homes safer.
Cincinnati, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults, often resulting in hospitalizations and loss of independence. Many homes lacked basic safety features, leaving residents at risk. Colerain Township expanded its fall prevention program by assessing homes and installing 30 grab bars, with firefighter-paramedics trained for safe installation. These changes reduced fall risk and eased strain on emergency services, with early data showing fewer 911 calls. Residents called the grab bars "life changing," one writing, "The grab bars have been a blessing... I was able to relax and not be worried about him falling."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Cleveland Heights, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Zoning barriers and high costs limited Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), reducing housing options for older adults. To build awareness and momentum, the city hosted an ADU design competition that drew 28 submissions and over 5,300 online views. Three winning designs will become pre-approved plans, and a showcase event engaged residents and media. These steps laid the groundwork for zoning changes and future ADU construction, offering affordable, accessible housing. One resident said, "After decades of dreaming of a garage conversion for me in my golden years, I was thrilled to learn my city would reconsider zoning."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Cleveland, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Expanding HighSpeed Internet
Description: This project will help 210 older adult residents in age-restricted apartments sign up for affordable internet service and provide basic computer skills training.
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