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Memphis, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Many older adults in the Hollywood community lacked clear guidance on how to prepare for disasters, leaving households without plans and uncertainty about insurance coverage. Center for Transforming Communities addressed this gap through two preparedness sessions that walked residents through local risks, insurance basics and practical planning steps. Participants created household disaster plans and discussed the supplies they would need to respond more effectively. One resident said, "I liked the way you broke it down. I understood what you were talking about. It helped me go home and make these changes." Another participant contacted her insurance provider after learning about common coverage gaps. Follow-up check-ins are planned to help residents keep plans current, reinforcing preparedness over time.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Chesapeake, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Hurricanes and flooding pose real risks in the Chesapeake region, yet many residents lacked practical knowledge about evacuation zones or how the City manages emergencies. The Library partnered with emergency officials to host three sessions offered in person and online, supported by disaster kit displays and 200 take-home booklets. A newcomer said she learned what to pack and appreciated being able to ask questions. Attendees left with clearer expectations for preparing and responding, prompting the Library to expand annual programming and reach more older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Columbia, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Four disaster preparedness workshops will be offered across two counties. Adults in a 55-plus community will receive checklists and emergency preparedness items.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Pikeville, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The plaza welcoming visitors to Pikeville's Appalachian Center for the Arts was looking a little run down. To increase its curb appeal and encourage tourism, the City initiated a multi-phase effort to redesign the area to be an outdoor gathering space. They resurfaced the plaza with custom, decorative pavers, installed benches, improved landscaping and added a shade canopy. The plaza redesign made downtown Pikeville more walkable and added a safe, outdoor space for visitors to enjoy music and art -- something much needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since these improvements, the City has used the plaza for public events and improved nearby sidewalks and crosswalks.
Salyersville, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Older adults lacked shaded seating in the community park, making walking trails and playground visits uncomfortable. The council installed canopies over 16 benches and added a sound system for the stage, creating shaded resting areas and enabling events. Volunteers contributed significant time to complete the improvements. "These improvements have been such a great addition to the park and should provide many years of enjoyment," said a local official. The upgrades transformed the park into a welcoming space for older adults and families, encouraging outdoor activity and social engagement.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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