AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Douglas Public Health Network (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Community Resilience
└ Emergency preparedness skills
└ Emergency preparedness skills
Douglas County's history of wildfires and severe weather leaves older adults in rural areas at high risk, especially those who are homebound and unable to evacuate. To address this, the project distributed over 11,000 preparedness guides in English and Spanish, hosted 30 education events and provided Go kit bags and NOAA radios to more than 500 residents age 50-plus. These efforts boosted readiness and sparked neighborhood planning. A rural fire chief praised the program, saying it "helped to solidify more preparedness for some of our most vulnerable older adults...great job!"
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
South Portland, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills
Description: South Portlands coastal location faces flooding and severe weather risks, yet many older adults in public housing lacked clear evacuation plans and resources. Volunteers reached 388 residents through workshops and housing presentations. They distributed Go-kits with essentials like lanterns and first aid supplies, plus large-print and translated materials. The effort built new partnerships with the Fire Department and Housing Authority, sparked safety programs and secured an additional grant for disaster food packs. Residents even formed buddy systems to support each other during emergencies.
Sparks, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills
Description: Many older adults in Sparks were unprepared for emergencies, especially those homebound and living alone. To address this, the city hosted preparedness sessions and assembled 400 go-kits stocked with essentials like pill boxes, hygiene items, flashlights and rechargeable radios. Volunteers, most age 50-plus, helped pack and distribute kits through Meals on Wheels and during fire department calls. Spanish-language materials and recorded presentations extended the reach. "I'm so grateful for the emergency go-bag! What a great project for the City to do," said one participant, highlighting its role in improving safety and peace of mind.
Juncos, PR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills
Description: When hurricanes or earthquakes hit, residents lacked reliable water, power and communication-leaving older adults especially vulnerable. The group installed cisterns for water storage, solar-powered emergency communications and lighting and trained residents in disaster response, food preservation and gardening. Volunteers age 50-plus helped with installations and simulations. Now, the community has a safer, more sustainable hub for emergencies. "Everyone is amazed how with minimal space they can grow food and reduce costs," said one participant, reflecting new skills and confidence for the future.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Powers, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: This project will remodel City Halls lobby to be fully ADA-compliant, adding automatic doors, wheelchair access, a widened entryway, and an accessible service counter.
Veneta, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: During the COVID-19 pandemic, staff at the Fern Ridge Public Library were determined to offer a safe outdoor space for residents to congregate. When a large, centuries-old Heritage Oak tree fell on library grounds, they took the opportunity to construct a courtyard, enlisting local artists to create benches from the tree's wood. To make the space inviting, volunteers planted native Oregonian plants and laid down gravel to create an accessible pathway. What had been a weed-covered yard became a peaceful seating area for casual meetings, quiet reading and public performances.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Oregon State Office
9200 SE Sunnybrook Boulevard
Suite 410
Clackamas (Portland), OR 97015
United States