San Diego, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Walkability

Description: The project will recruit older volunteers to conduct five walk audits in residential areas to identify potential locations for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.

Freeport, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities

Description: Older adults can often feel underappreciated. The Town of Freeport wanted to change through a unique event designed to honor its older residents. The Town invited local families to go up in hot air balloons over the town -- something project organizers describe as an experience one will never forget. Thanks to donations from a local business, the Town was able to offset the cost of tickets, making this an activity in which everyone could participate, regardless of age, income or ability.

Athens, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility

Description: Habitat for Humanity of McMinn hoped to provide housing and other resources to a local family of older adults living in substandard conditions. Like other Habitat chapters across the U.S., the organization builds homes for people in need of housing. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization completed the frame for a new home, reconvening to complete it once shut-down orders lifted. Habitat also provided training on the need for safe housing options, especially as homeowners choose to downsize as they age.