AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
During the COVID-19 pandemic, community gardens became critical, allowing residents of Oakland and the East Bay to meet and connect with neighbors and grow healthy food. However, many community gardens lacked amenities that made them accessible for people of all ages. To close this gap, Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley added needed amenities for gardens throughout the region. By installing three picnic tables, four tool sheds, five Adirondack chairs, ten garden benches and more 30 garden stools, Habitat for Humanity was able to revitalize well-loved gardens and ensure more residents could access fresh produce locally.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Cusick, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The tribe will create a Medicine Wheel Garden near the Elder Center featuring native plants, seating and shaded space. Elders will have easier access to culturally important plants and enjoy a peaceful outdoor gathering area.
Anderson, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To expose locals to art and grow food for people in need, Anderson Arts Center beautified its campus by creating a new mural and community garden. The first mural in Anderson, it depicts a rabbit alongside a colorful fruit and vegetables. Since its completion, it has inspired other local organizations to create their own murals around town. Project organizers say within the garden's first year, the Center taught nearly 500 children about growing fresh vegetables. The Arts Center, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, hosts gallery exhibitions featuring regional, national and international artists, orchestrates downtown public arts projects and is home to a summer arts camp and arts school for children and adults.
St. Petersburg, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Inflation and food deserts left many older adults in St. Petersburg struggling with nutrition and isolation. The housing authority revitalized its community garden with six raised beds, shaded seating and irrigation. It also hosted workshops on sustainable gardening, budgeting and healthy cooking. Residents helped plant and harvest produce for a community pantry, creating opportunities for exercise and social connection. The project improved access to fresh food and reduced stress, with plans for expanded programming. One participant said, "The garden is important to me because it has everlasting memories... I would love to see this garden flourish again."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Oakland, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Reconnect Communities
Description: In West Oakland, efforts to rethink the I-980 corridor moved ahead while residents who lived through the freeway impacts were rarely centered in planning. Older adults held crucial knowledge about how construction and disinvestment changed daily life but lacked a clear path to be heard. EVOAK convened focus groups and interviews with residents over 60, then hosted a block party that put these voices at the forefront. Stories gathered are now informing policy ideas and future planning, strengthening trust and advancing harm-repair discussions.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
San Francisco, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Community Living Campaign launched a neighborhood pilot to tackle accessibility barriers that made walking difficult for older adults and people with disabilities. In several San Francisco neighborhoods, broken sidewalks and blocked curb ramps disrupted daily errands, while residents had few clear ways to report problems or track follow up. The project showed residents how to spot issues and report them through city service channels. Older adults joined short walks, meetings and trainings that explained ADA basics and encouraged people to document hazards on their own or with neighbors. Hundreds of residents took part, generating reports shared with city partners. Participants said the effort restored a sense of purpose and connection. One resident said that after retiring she had felt "no longer needed," but that the project energized her and showed her contributions mattered. City agencies have begun weaving the training into ongoing community programs.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP California State Office
200 S. Los Robles Avenue
Suite 400
Pasadena, CA 91101
United States