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Knoxville, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility

Description: Family Promise of Knoxville's transitional housing program gives unhoused families a place to live while they get back on their feet. Many residents use the organization's Day Center to gather, access the internet, read and work on homework. But the communal space was dimly lit, which caused many residents to feel unsafe. To make the space more welcoming, organizers installed new light fixtures, as well as energy-efficient ceiling fans. They also installed doors to separate offices, a work room, computer lab and storage spaces. Organizers say they wanted to be sensitive to the trauma many families have experienced and hope the upgraded space gives residents dignity during their shelter stay.

Akron, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility

Description: The project will help support construction of a 16-unit affordable housing development in Akron. The homes will incorporate accessibility features for older adults.

Tucson, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility

Description: Like many communities, Tucson has struggled to meet the needs of older adults who want to age in place but lack the resources to stay in their homes. To address this, Tucson created a formalized home sharing program through a new organization, Tucson Home Sharing Inc. The organization has hired staff, formed relationships with county leaders, conducted public meetings, created promotional materials and built an online presence -- all with the goal of connecting older adults with younger roommates. The housemates can help with meal preparation, shopping, transportation, small home repair tasks and pet care. In exchange, they receive decreased or no rent. Organizers hope this decreases social isolation and increases the supply of the affordable housing within the community, enabling older adults to remain in their neighborhoods.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Washington, DC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Capturing data and feedback from residents

Description: The 1882 Foundation hoped to strengthen community identity and increase civic engagement in DC's Chinatown, particularly among older adults. The Foundation designed a digital map featuring stories about places with historical and cultural significance to the neighborhood's longtime community members, including past and present residents and leaders. The Foundation distributed storytelling kits, which included tools to help participants tell their stories by writing and recording audio. Project organizers provided storytellers with bilingual instructions in English and Mandarin. To promote the initiative, the Foundation held a Mid-Autumn Festival event at the Wah Luck House, an affordable housing complex. Organizers say the digital platform will help inform urban planning policies by ensuring community priorities are included in redevelopment proposals for Chinatown.

Washington, DC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety

Description: To increase older adults' mobility, the Capitol Hill Village worked to raise residents' awareness of the local transportation offerings. The nonprofit offered social events and educational programming to teach more than 100 residents how to get around without driving. The trainings covered pedestrian safety and provided older adults with in-depth information on transportation services, including the Metrorail system, Capital Bikeshare and local paratransit service. Project organizers say participants increased their knowledge of and confidence using local transportation options.

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