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Jersey City Housing Authority (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Community Health and Economic Empowerment
└ Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience
└ Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience
Older Section 3 workers struggled to shift from physically demanding jobs as Jersey City's high living costs and digital skills gap left many age 50-plus at risk of economic instability. The 50+ Workforce Transitions Program provided laptops and hands-on training to spreadsheets, documents and other useful office technology. In addition, students learned resume building, usage of social media for business connections and virtual interviewing. These, plus new skills using AI tools for crafting professional materials, helped many achieve greater confidence and digital fluency, with some already securing new roles. Continued referrals to advanced training and career services aim to sustain progress and expand networks for lasting economic resilience.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Augusta, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience
Description: This project set out to create vendor stalls near the Jessye Norman School of the Arts building, with the goal of holding regular artists markets. The school purchased benches and kiosks for participating vendors to display their goods. The school then held a street market where artists could sell their work. Organizers say they plan to expand the market in the future and hope it will become a regular event, increasing foot traffic and economic activity in the neighborhood.
San Juan, PR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience
Description: The Sila M. Calderon Foundation hosted 16 workshops with local entrepreneurs with the goal of strengthening small businesses, fostering job creation and increasing wages. The Foundation also offered technical assistance, hosted community outreach events and provided other resources. Thirty-five older adults completed the program and participating entrepreneurs received 119 hours of training from experts. Working with historically marginalized and underserved communities, the Foundation's mission is to achieve a more just and productive society in Puerto Rico by combatting poverty and inequality. Since 2018, the Foundation has helped create and support more than 650 small businesses and more than 1,000 new jobs.
Tigard, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience
Description: The City of Tigard hoped to create a business incubator to help local entrepreneurs test out their ideas. So the City launched its Tigard on Roll Program, purchasing two food trucks outfitted with commercial restaurant equipment. Startup food vendors can apply to lease the trucks at a reduced rate, and the City provides coaching from business advisors. The trucks -- which sit in Tigard's new Universal Plaza -- also offer an important amenity to residents of downtown. The incubator program specifically targets entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities, which it supports by reducing start-up costs and offering mentorship. Today, residents can find the trucks at a weekly farmers market and at the annual Taste of Tigard food festival.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Jersey City, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Many older adults in Hudson Gardens public housing lacked internet access and digital skills, leaving them isolated from essential services and family connections. To close this gap, the housing authority distributed Wi-Fi-enabled tablets and partnered with Hudson County Community College. Student tutors provided one-on-one lessons on email, online safety and using free broadband programs. The sessions helped 46 residents gain digital confidence and independence. One participant said the program was a "lifesaver," sharing that her bills now cost less and she can finally explore games and other tools on her new tablet.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Jersey City, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To give residents at Marion Gardens the opportunity to gather, project organizers beautified a concrete area onsite. Residents of the public housing complex came together to plant trees, shrubs and flowers in an area of the property prone to flooding, with the new foliage acting as green infrastructure to absorb rainwater. To ensure care of the new trees long-term, project organizers also created a tree maintenance manual with pruning techniques and other tips. Since the planting, organizers have worked to plan a mural at the site.
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