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The Literacy Center (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
└ Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
The Literacy Center launched a pilot program to deploy electric autonomous passenger shuttles to transport older adults, veterans and people with disabilities. The 12-passenger, wheelchair-accessible shuttles operated on-demand five days a week. Individuals living in 17 senior living facilities near the Detroit Medical Center and Veterans Administration Hospital Campus use the shuttles to travel to medical appointments, pharmacies and shopping. The pilot introduced policy makers, stakeholders and residents to the AV concept and facilitated conversations about their vision for the future of autonomous vehicles. The project attracted additional funds from the private sector, three in-kind service vehicles and new partners.
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Brainerd, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: Many older adults in central Minnesota are unaware of their public transit options or lack information on how to use them. Organizers with the Region Five Development Commission set out to expand transportation access, while also combatting social isolation. The Commission, which serves Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena Counties, produced How to Ride the Bus videos with information specific to each county. They also distributed transit passes to older adult residents. Additionally, the Commission provided fitness club memberships to residents interested in improving their physical and mental fitness.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Detroit, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To give older adults a space where they can interact with local children, Eden Gardens Block Club converted two vacant lots into an intergenerational playground. Ahead of the project, the Edens Garden surveyed residents about their preferences, with 80 percent of respondents asking for exercise equipment for older adults. Volunteers then worked to clear the site and install playground apparatuses, including swings, a see-saw bouncer and a cardio walker. Organizers say the space is now a source of community pride for the community.
Detroit, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Trails
Description: Unkept and unsafe streets left East Canfield Village residents, especially older adults, with few options for exercise or social connection. Canfield Consortium cleared vacant lots, planted trees, installed benches and added wayfinding signage. This created a pilot trail that links homes to parks and stores. The improvements boosted safety and encouraged outdoor activity. As one resident said, "The path gives us seniors a safe and beautiful way to stay active, connect with our neighbors and enjoy the outdoors."
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