Rocky Mount, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County addressed safety hazards that made daily tasks hard for older adults and put independence at risk. The team integrated HomeFit and safety assessments into every repair visit, adding practical upgrades like low-entry showers with grab bars and flooring fixes for three families that included five people age 50-plus. A construction manager now conducts an accessibility review on each project, and outreach boosted applications, revealing wider need. The new process is standard practice and strengthens evidence for funders. One resident said showering is "very easy" now and praised the crew for a "wonderful job."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Christiansburg, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: Older adults in rural Virginia faced isolation during the pandemic, lacking internet access and basic computer skills. To close this gap, the group launched a Mobile Literacy Lab stocked with laptops, hotspots and other tools to deliver classes and tutoring. Two 10-week courses and five workshops taught email basics, safe browsing and virtual meeting skills. The lab now enables older adults to manage tasks like job searches and online communication. "This one hour class helped me more than anyone else in months," said Ellen, who learned to secure her email accounts. With new partnerships and a waiting list for future classes, the lab is set to remain a cornerstone for inclusive learning.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.