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Shawnee, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance repair and services
Description: This project will help low-income, older residents remain safely in their homes by providing home evaluations and assisting with necessary repairs and modifications.
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.
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance repair and services
Description: Project Houseworks addressed safety and stability risks faced by low-income older adults living in aging homes where deferred repairs, mobility barriers and high energy costs threatened independence. Through its Aging in Place work, the organization delivered no-cost repairs and accessibility improvements, including grab bars, ramps, lighting upgrades and critical fixes to roofing, HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems. Weatherization and utility support helped reduce ongoing household costs. Follow-up showed most households remained safely housed months after service, with fewer hazards and lower energy strain. The work also strengthened partnerships and data tracking, supporting earlier interventions and future expansion. One homeowner described the impact of improved lighting and storage, saying it changed everything, making daily routines safer and calmer and allowing the household to remain at home with greater confidence.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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