Anderson, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Housing Design Competitions

Description: Anderson County lacks affordable, accessible housing for older adults and people with disabilities, leaving many at risk of unsafe living conditions. The alliance hosted a housing design competition and charrettes to create realistic solutions, adapting plans after Hurricane Helene with virtual outreach and surveys. Five designs were unveiled for public voting, and the winning adaptive reuse concept inspired county leaders to explore converting vacant buildings into housing. Donated land and strong community engagement now position the county to expand options for low-income older adults.

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

Detroit, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Housing Design Competitions

Description: A community-led ADU design process will produce a practical model plan guide. The guide will support older residents seeking flexible housing choices.

Philadelphia, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Housing Design Competitions

Description: Philadelphia's shortage of affordable housing and restrictive zoning left older adults with few options to age in place. The Discovering Philadelphia's Missing Middle project engaged residents through workshops and surveys to shape designs for accessory dwelling units and other housing types. It also hosted a citywide design competition to spark dialogue. The effort raised awareness, produced advocacy materials and built momentum for policy reform. One steering committee member said, "Convenings like this are essential...we need this type of comprehensive thinking in Philadelphia."

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