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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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Pinellas County, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: The Florida Dream Center helps older adults in Pinellas County age in place, relying on federal grants and other funding sources to assist with home repairs and modifications. However, this funding is typically limited, meaning the nonprofit can only improve homes belonging to residents over the age of 62. To serve a larger subset of older adults, the Florida Dream Center created a program for residents between the ages of 50 to 61. Modifications include installing grab bars and handrails, replacing flooring, fixing holes in exterior walls, painting, rewiring exterior lights and mitigating rodents and other pests. By tapping a wide volunteer network to help make repairs, the Center has since expanded the services it offers to older homeowners.
Alton, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Extreme summer heat in Alton puts older adults at risk of illness, with many unable to afford cooling. Project Cooldown installed 30 window AC units and repaired two HVAC systems for residents. Outreach through flyers and partnerships connected volunteers and contractors to the effort. The initiative also uncovered broader housing repair needs and strengthened local networks for future projects. One recipient shared how very thankful she was, and had confidence that she would survive the summer because she could now stay cool.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Cleveland, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: In Cleveland's Union-Miles neighborhood, decades of disinvestment left many older adults in unsafe homes. Union Miles Development Corporation provided free repairs, such as painting, replacing windows and installing grab bars, to help residents age in place. Volunteers assisted with the work, restoring safety and comfort. "Now that the leak has been repaired... my grandchildren will be coming over to stay for Christmas break," said one resident, showing how the project renewed security and family connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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