See More Projects Like This One

Durham, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: Like many places, Durham is experiencing an affordable housing crisis, with many longtime residents displaced from their neighborhoods. To help residents remain in their homes, Durham Habitat for Humanity expanded its Repairs Program services for low-income, older and disabled residents. The organization purchased a second-hand work truck, which helps work crews perform repairs and home maintenance tasks. Since the purchased, Habitat's teams improved homes in a year, representing a 50 percent increase from the year before. The improvements address unsafe living conditions and make homes more accessible for residents of all ages and abilities. Organizers say providing cost-effective repairs preserves affordable housing and curbs gentrification.

Nashville, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: Home repair and fall‑prevention improvements will be completed for dozens of adults age 50-plus. The work will include urgent fixes that make homes safer and more livable.

Roseville, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: Older adult homeowners in Minnesota faced rising costs and physical limits that left homes unsafe and at risk of abandonment amid a statewide shortage of affordable housing. Hearts & Hammers restored 76 houses for low-income residents age 50-plus, adding repairs like painting, weatherproofing and accessibility upgrades with help from 64 volunteers. The work preserved naturally affordable homes and reduced displacement. "With the combination of costs and physical labor, we just couldn't get things done," said one couple, adding that when the project was complete, it looked absolutely perfect.

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

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Ambler, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: An outdoor patio at a 50-plus activity center will add cafe seating, shade, raised garden beds and clear signage. The space will support outdoor meals, gardening and gatherings that reduce isolation and expand access to recreation.

Philadelphia, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options

Description: A free transportation program will provide reliable rides to medical appointments for adults age 50-plus with limited English proficiency. Language support and door‑to‑door service will help residents access care and age safely.

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