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Chicago, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance repair and services
Description: Many older adults living in their own homes faced safety hazards that increased fall risk and made daily routines harder to manage, with limited options for affordable repairs. Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago addressed this need through its Second Saturdays initiative, completing targeted home safety and accessibility improvements that helped residents move more confidently through their homes. Skilled volunteers carried out hands-on repairs while spending time with homeowners, pairing practical fixes with human connection. One resident said the work was an answer to their prayers and eased worries about falling or being forced to move. The changes reduced everyday safety concerns and supported older adults who wanted to remain where they live while demonstrating a repeatable model for addressing small but critical home safety needs over time.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Albuquerque, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance repair and services
Description: Many older adults in Albuquerque were living with unsafe home conditions that made it difficult to remain independent. The Home Preservation program completed 32 projects after increased outreach. They provided repairs such as ramps, railings, deck fixes and safer entryways. Volunteers supported work across multiple homes, including one where new ramps and deck repairs allowed a resident to reach an art studio they thought they had lost access to. Demand for repairs continues to grow, prompting plans to hire another site manager and expand service capacity. The improvements help older adults stay safely in their homes and strengthen community connections through word-of-mouth referrals.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Maple Falls, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance repair and services
Description: This project will repair homes for low-income homeowners age 50-plus who cannot afford or physically manage the repairs. Repairs include roof fixes, wheelchair ramps, and yard cleanup.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Elgin, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Older homeowners in Elgin faced unsafe conditions they could not afford to fix, threatening their ability to age in place. Through its Aging in Place program, Habitat completed 16 projects including the addition of ramps, grab bars and railings. It also converted tubs to showers and performed HVAC repairs. These changes eased daily living and reduced stress for residents. One homeowner said, "Thank you so much for the air conditioning replacement. With my COPD it was extremely difficult to breathe." Another called a new walk-in shower "a lifesaver." The upgrades allow older adults to remain safely housed and maintain independence.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Batavia, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Local officials and community organizations hoped to increase pedestrian and bicycle traffic in downtown Batavia. To do this, the Batavia Environmental Commission, Batavia Bicycle Commission, the WellBatavia Initiative and Batavia Maitreet undertook a research and promotional campaign. They hosted a walk and bike audit that taught residents urban biking skills, such as how to load a bike onto a public bus. The initiative then paired participants with residents of a local retirement community, as well as with families with small children, to help them learn about biking. The group produced a 15-minute video documentary presenting the town's history, showcasing its pedestrian and bike infrastructure and highlighting the need for future improvements. In 2022, Batavia announced it would create a bicycle and walking plan to improve city trails and make intersections safer.
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