Banner Elk, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: The project will work with local social service agencies to identify older adults whose homes are in need of repairs or aging-in-place modifications. Young volunteers who are being trained at home repair camps will perform the improvements.

Dalton, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: This project contributed to the City of Dalton Housing Authority's larger efforts to renovate its properties. The Authority hoped to give public housing residents more access to outdoor gathering spaces, so it installed picnic tables in several locations. To increase accessibility, organizers also provided ramps to residents unable to climb stairs. Finally, the Authority updated its laundry rooms. Project organizers say the improvements give residents updated, clean and safe areas to interact with each other, which helps combat social isolation and depression.

Portland, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: As Portland's housing costs climb, hundreds of households living in manufactured housing parks are at risk of losing their homes. To help residents with home upkeep, Verde provided critical home repairs to seven mobile homes in the Cully neighborhood. The repairs addressed health and safety issues impacting low-income older adults, people with disabilities and families with children. Additionally, the work provided an opportunity for experienced volunteers to share their skills with residents who are new to home repair.