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Fairview Place Neighborhood Association (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
Phoenix faces extreme heat and droughts. This has left older residents in neighborhoods with little shade struggling to keep new trees alive, a critical step for cooling streets and reducing heat-related distress. The project supplied hoses, reels and irrigation repairs to 26 households. This project was mostly led by older adults, who also created a watering schedule with reminders. A retired contractor ensured installations and repairs were done safely. These efforts helped neighbors care for nearly 100 trees and avoid trip hazards. One resident said the tools and guidance "gave him hope" his trees would thrive, underscoring the projects role in building resilience.
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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Evansville, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Missing handrails or grab bars made routine movement at home unsafe for many older adults and in some cases kept them from leaving their houses. Community One addressed this risk through its Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program by installing handrails and grab bars in local homes and purchasing materials for future projects. Volunteer-led installations focused on practical fixes at entryways, stairs and bathrooms. One resident said that without a handrail, leaving her home felt dangerous, but after installation she felt relief and could move safely. The work reduced fall risk, supported aging in place and built a trained volunteer base for ongoing support.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
South Fulton, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults with mobility limitations were living with hidden fall risks at home, often adapting with unsafe workarounds because they lacked information or support. Facts to Thrive addressed this gap by hosting hands-on workshops that demonstrated practical home modifications and encouraged open conversations about safety. Participants received raised toilet seats and slip-and-fall prevention items. Staff used these visits to identify additional repair needs inside the home. These assessments revealed broader challenges, leading to follow-on support for grab bars, steps and other fixes. The workshops also helped reduce stigma, making it easier for participants to admit concerns and take action earlier. One participant recovering from surgery had been using a portable setup over her toilet; after a raised seat with handles was installed, she cried with relief. Her reaction reflected how small, targeted changes helped older adults remain independent and safer at home.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Santa Cruz, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults in Santa Cruz County lacked clear guidance on preventing falls and had limited access to affordable home modifications that help them stay safe. The Volunteer Center held six fall-prevention workshops, including an online option for homebound residents, and partnered with local organizations to widen outreach. Through its Helping Hands program, volunteers installed 137 safety upgrades such as grab bars, railings and grip tape, making daily movement more secure. These permanent modifications supported long-term aging in place. One participant said the grab bars made their shower "feel safer... it's been a gift," highlighting how targeted improvements increased confidence and comfort at home.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Phoenix, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: In Phoenix, many older adults lack public transportation options and must rely on cars to get around. But organizers with Elaine report that many older adults -- and especially Black and Latino/a individuals -- don't drive or own their own cars. To address this, the nonprofit offered free, on-demand rides to medical appointments, job and housing interviews and errands, such as grocery shopping. Elaine provided more than 300 rides to unhoused and low-income older adults. The organization's drivers also received training to assist their passengers with shopping, paperwork and help them tackle the community's social support systems. Organizers report the rides specifically helped two older adult client secure stable housing.
Phoenix, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Public transit gaps in Phoenix left many older adults isolated and unable to reach health care, housing and food resources. Elaine filled this void by providing 1,000 free rides for hundreds of people age 50-plus, including trips to medical visits, grocery stores and housing appointments. Drivers offered hands-on help, from carrying bags to assisting with wheelchairs, creating a safe and supportive experience. The service helped nine formerly homeless individuals secure stable housing and improved access to essentials for hundreds more. One rider shared, "I appreciate so much that this transportation is available," and shared that one of the drivers is more like a family member and friend than just a worker.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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