El Cajon, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: To help older adults in El Cajon's large Iraqi refugee community navigate the area's public transit system, Circulate San Diego created training materials in Arabic. Older adults in this community are more likely to suffer from PTSD and social isolation, with language and cultural barriers preventing many from comfortably leaving home. The training resources included a how-to video, as well as materials to help local high school students share information about transit basics with family members and neighbors. Circulate San Diego also created a transit map and brochures in Arabic. Project organizers say they hope the resources helps community members use transit as a mobility option -- and a way to regain independence.

Miami, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: Residents of Miami's Little Havana neighborhood wanted to improve the transit experience for the area's older adults. To do this, Urban Health Partnerships installed a dozen single and double-seat benches under shade trees near high-ridership bus and trolley stops. Little Havana residents use public transit at three times the rate of Miami-Dade County's general populace. Organizers say the new benches provide a welcome place to rest as they walk through the community or wait for transit.

Lawrence, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: Many of Lawrence's bus stops lacked shelters or seating for waiting riders. As a temporary fix, people left lawn chairs, folding chairs and benches at the bus stops, which locals nicknamed shame benches. The United Way of Douglas County stepped in to install amenities at 15 bus stops, particularly in lower income areas with high ridership. Local youth created art to decorate five existing stops, with students at a local technical school constructing custom-built shelters for another five. Project organizers hope the upgrades make the transit system more accessible to older people, people with disabilities and anyone who can't easily stand on a curb.