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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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Detroit, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Detroit's aging residents often face unsafe homes and limited resources for repairs. Road to Freedom stepped in to fix porches, plumbing, doors and windows at no cost, while engaging volunteers to assist. The effort improved safety and comfort for older adults and built partnerships with local centers to ensure ongoing support. "I am so happy and excited about the work performed in my home," wrote one participant, underscoring the value of these repairs.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Flagstaff, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Organizers with Red Feather recognized that Native elders have a strong cultural preference to age in place in their own homes. To help older adults from the Hopi and Navajo tribes, the nonprofit set out to make elders' home safer. Case managers made home visits to conduct aging in place assessments, create a plan to modify homes and educate homeowners about safety. The nonprofit also modified homes, installing a ramp, repairing a roof and providing new kitchen appliances. Organizers say the initiative helped address health disparities -- Native elders have a lower life expectancy and higher rates of disability and chronic health conditions than other populations. Organizers anticipate home modifications will reduce falls, keeping elders out of the hospital.
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.
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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