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Asbury Park, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Rapid home safety improvements will be made in 15 homes, including grab bars and safer entrances. The project will help older homeowners reduce fall risk and remain independent while collecting feedback to inform future efforts.
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.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Seaford, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Residents lacked a shared space to grow food and connect socially, and older adults faced barriers to gardening. The project added large beds for families, a wraparound bench for gathering and braille signage to make the garden accessible. Volunteers hosted monthly classes and provided shared tools, while soaker hoses ensured easier watering for older gardeners. These changes created a welcoming space where neighbors meet and older adults garden comfortably. A blind child exploring the Veterans Garden with braille signs showed how the project fosters inclusion and intergenerational connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Seaford, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The project tackled the need for a more inclusive garden space and waived seasonal fees for local veterans to encourage participation. Grant funds added shaded seating, reading areas, accessible tools and a drip irrigation system that streamlined watering and improved efficiency. A permanent Little Free Library now invites neighbors to linger and connect, while the irrigation upgrade saves volunteers hours of work and sets the stage for new gardens that will supply fresh produce to local pantries and shelters.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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