See More Projects Like This One

Rock Island, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: The project will support home repairs for older residents by supplementing existing public programs. Safer and healthier housing conditions will help people remain in their homes with greater stability, comfort and dignity as they age.

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.

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

Bluffton, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: Low-income homeowners often face critical safety repairs they cannot afford, risking displacement and loss of equity. This project exceeded its goal by completing 40 home repairs for families. It was led by residents age 50-plus, making entryways safe and replacing outdated systems. The improvements allowed families to remain in their homes and preserve generational wealth. One homeowner saw her summer power bill drop from over $700 to less than $200 after an HVAC replacement, showing the impact on safety and affordability.

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

Port Royal, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public safety interventions

Description: An indoor pool facility will upgrade entry features, adaptive equipment and instructor-led aquatic therapy and safety classes. The changes will support safer movement, recovery and regular use of water-based activities.

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