Flagstaff, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: Organizers with Red Feather recognized that Native elders have a strong cultural preference to age in place in their own homes. To help older adults from the Hopi and Navajo tribes, the nonprofit set out to make elders' home safer. Case managers made home visits to conduct aging in place assessments, create a plan to modify homes and educate homeowners about safety. The nonprofit also modified homes, installing a ramp, repairing a roof and providing new kitchen appliances. Organizers say the initiative helped address health disparities -- Native elders have a lower life expectancy and higher rates of disability and chronic health conditions than other populations. Organizers anticipate home modifications will reduce falls, keeping elders out of the hospital.

Salisbury, MD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: Home safety updates, such as grab bars, improved lighting and minor repairs, will be provided for adults age 50-plus in the community. These changes will help residents age in place and reduce the risk of falls at home.

Lockport, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: Volunteers will complete exterior repairs, ramps, lighting and safety upgrades in one neighborhood. Stronger homes and shared improvements will help older residents age in place while improving overall safety.