Institute for the Built Environment (2025) Print

star-24px 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee

Project Category

Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
The Institute focused on a common challenge facing older adults who want to remain in their homes: knowing which design features truly support safety, accessibility and long-term independence. Builders and homeowners often lack practical guidance to apply aging-in-place principles with confidence. The project produced and piloted a Resident Guide that explains these features in clear, usable terms, tested with a homeowner living in a certified Lifelong Home. The guide helped residents better understand their home and nearby services while also serving as a replicable tool for housing professionals. One homeowner said the guide was "super helpful so I don't have to do all the research myself." The work increased awareness of age-friendly housing design, informed future pilot projects and strengthened partnerships that can influence how homes are designed and finished in the years ahead.

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

See More Projects Like This One

Rebuilding Together Nashville (2026)

Nashville, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: A few education sessions will teach affordable home modifications that improve safety for all ages. Community-specific guides will help residents take action.

Southern Saratoga YMCA (2026)

Clifton Park, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Multiple educational sessions will teach residents how to make homes safer and more accessible. Participants will receive safety products to reduce fall risks.

Valley Assistance Services (2024)

Green Valley, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Many older adults lacked resources to make their homes safer for aging in place, increasing fall risks and limiting independence. Valley Assistance Services responded with HomeFit education and safety demonstrations at community events, expanded outreach through classes at libraries and its office. They also distributed easy-to-read guides and home safety kits. Participants requested extra kits for neighbors, amplifying impact. The effort raised awareness and created lasting access to tools that help prevent falls. "It was very easy to read and full of great information," said one participant.

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

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Colorado State University Institute for the Built Environment (2026)

Fort Collins, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Housing Design Competitions

Description: A design challenge will produce build-ready, age-friendly ADU plans for public use. The plans will guide adaptable housing for older residents.

City of Fort Collins (2023)

Fort Collins, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: Older adults in mobile home parks faced mounting repair needs that threatened safety and housing stability. The city organized DIY workshops where residents learned to fix leaks, replace furnace filters and improve insulation. Experts provided toolkits and guidance to support the workshops. These sessions boosted confidence and reduced costs, while feedback led to a mini-grant program for roof and skirting repairs. One participant shared, "I fixed my leaky flapper... I never thought I could do something like that," reflecting how the project empowered residents to maintain their homes and avoid costly problems.

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

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

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