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Family Promise of Knoxville (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Lifelong housing and accessibility
└ Lifelong housing and accessibility
Family Promise of Knoxville's transitional housing program gives unhoused families a place to live while they get back on their feet. Many residents use the organization's Day Center to gather, access the internet, read and work on homework. But the communal space was dimly lit, which caused many residents to feel unsafe. To make the space more welcoming, organizers installed new light fixtures, as well as energy-efficient ceiling fans. They also installed doors to separate offices, a work room, computer lab and storage spaces. Organizers say they wanted to be sensitive to the trauma many families have experienced and hope the upgraded space gives residents dignity during their shelter stay.
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Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Iona Senior Services needed to transform its Aging Solo series from in-person classes to Zoom instruction. The popular series provides information, strategies and a supportive community to older adults who don't have a family support network. Iona offered the virtual classes for six weeks and -- to reach a larger audience -- recorded them for future sharing. The new online format allowed Iona to reach individuals who would not have been able to participate in person, and course leaders modified the curriculum to recognize the pandemic's impact on older adults. To expand the initiative's reach, project organizers also created and distributed an electronic discussion guide for use by faith communities, aging-in-place villages and other organizations.
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: Older adults in Omaha need housing that supports independence and accessibility. The Sustainable Small House project demonstrates how ADA-compliant, energy-efficient homes can meet these needs. The house was relocated to the UNO campus and prepared for features like a swing-away sink, voice-controlled shower and wheelchair-level washer/dryer. Once complete, it will host public tours to showcase smart, accessible design. "The SSH can provide a significant solution to the residential sector," said project leaders.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Akron, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: Summit County's housing crisis leaves families and older adults spending much of their income on shelter, limiting stability and aging in place. Habitat began building Silver Maple Ridge, a 16-home development with features like single-story layouts and blocking for grab bars. The project engaged more than 400 volunteers age 50-plus and educated 32 partner families. Three homes were completed and three more nearly so, and the effort prompted Akron's first new park in 40 years, adding green space for residents while creating long-term affordable housing.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Athens, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: Habitat for Humanity of McMinn hoped to provide housing and other resources to a local family of older adults living in substandard conditions. Like other Habitat chapters across the U.S., the organization builds homes for people in need of housing. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization completed the frame for a new home, reconvening to complete it once shut-down orders lifted. Habitat also provided training on the need for safe housing options, especially as homeowners choose to downsize as they age.
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