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Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Unsafe homes left many older adults vulnerable to falls and insecurity, with broken steps, missing handrails and doors that wouldn't lock. The program completed safety repairs for seven homes at no cost, installing indoor and outdoor handrails, adding grab bars and replacing kitchen fixtures. Volunteers handled all labor, strengthening community ties. These changes let homeowners remain independent and secure, delaying moves to assisted living. One participant said new doors finally let her lock up and feel safe after years of fear, showing how essential these repairs were for dignity and peace of mind.
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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See More Projects Like This One
Roseville, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Older adult homeowners in Minnesota faced rising costs and physical limits that left homes unsafe and at risk of abandonment amid a statewide shortage of affordable housing. Hearts & Hammers restored 76 houses for low-income residents age 50-plus, adding repairs like painting, weatherproofing and accessibility upgrades with help from 64 volunteers. The work preserved naturally affordable homes and reduced displacement. "With the combination of costs and physical labor, we just couldn't get things done," said one couple, adding that when the project was complete, it looked absolutely perfect.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bluffton, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Wheelchair ramps and safer home entryways will be built for low‑income homeowners age 50-plus. These improvements will reduce fall risk and help residents safely enter and exit their homes.
Johnsburg, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: The town will expand its HomeFit pilot into a continuing program that provides small home safety improvements for residents age 50-plus. Basic repairs, such as lighting, grab bars and handrails, will help resident age in place.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Waukegan, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older residents in Lake County lacked devices and digital skills, leaving them unable to access health resources or stay connected. To close this gap, the organization distributed 123 laptops and provided at least 12 hours of hands-on training in familiar community spaces, supported by printed guides for continued learning. Participants reported feeling less isolated, with 80% using new skills to connect with family and 25% accessing health resources. One attendee shared, "I was scared of technology... now I feel young again," reflecting the program's impact on confidence and independence.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Racine, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet
Description: The project will provide devices and hands-on digital training for adults age 50 or over. Participants will use online tools to access health care and essential services and stay connected.
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