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Habitat For Humanity of Greater Lowell Inc. (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Habitat for Humanity's Critical Home Repair helps lower-income older adults and veterans remain in their homes by helping with basic repairs and maintenance tasks. This project provided tools for the initiative. The tools allow Habitat to make accessibility upgrades to homes throughout Lowell -- such as adding wheelchair ramps -- as well as expand the number of homes the organization can repair and build.
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Buffalo, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: To help low-income families rehabilitate their homes, Habitat for Humanity Buffalo held a series of construction skills trainings. Designed to reach people without a background in construction, the workshops focused on plumbing and electrical work. Project organizers say these education efforts ensure individuals are empowered to undertake critical home repairs. Additionally, the nonprofit wanted to help its volunteers understand the communities they serve. To do this, the organization hosted training sessions on topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Organizers report the sessions informed Home Team volunteers about the history of low-income communities and reinforced the importance of Habitat's mission to construct affordable housing.
Dubuque, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Many older adults in Dubuque faced hazards that made aging in place unsafe, while local youth lacked pathways to stable employment. The program tackled both issues by completing 21 home modifications, such as tub-to-shower conversions, grab bars and improved lighting for income-qualifying older adults. Students received paid, hands-on training and hosted a older adults' luncheon to build intergenerational connections. These upgrades improved safety and independence for older residents and gave youth valuable job skills. Positive feedback and new city funding will help sustain and expand this work, strengthening community ties.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Westford, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: This project will conduct two educational trainings on home safety and comfort, targeting older adults and their families in English and Spanish. The program offers assistance to qualified seniors, veterans, and families to address health, safety, and code violations.
Chelmsford, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: Chelmsford launched the Trails and Tales initiative to address gaps in understanding of Indigenous history and culture. The project installed mini, free libraries filled with books by Indigenous authors and kiosks featuring the town's Land Acknowledgement and educational content. Programs and film screenings led by Indigenous speakers deepened engagement, while volunteers of all ages built and decorated installations. These resources will remain in place year-round. One Girl Scout shared her pleasure with seeing the delightfully decorated library and said "The Little Free Library is at an unexpected and ideal location."
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