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Livability Initiative (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
Many affordable homes lacked accessibility features, making aging in place difficult for older adults and people with disabilities. To address this, Livability Initiative implemented 57 modifications across five homes. It also trained staff using the AARP HomeFit Guide. Laminated checklists and digital tools were provided to standardize assessments and ensure replicable processes. These changes improved safety and usability while raising awareness of accessible housing. One volunteer said, "Hearing that there are so many low-cost solutions, I'm inspired to make changes to my own home and implement these simple ideas."
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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Tucson, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona addressed gaps in home safety knowledge for older adults who want to age in place but lack clear guidance. Through its ELDER Alliance Livable Communities Action Team, the group hosted a community education event focused on the HomeFit Guide, linking residents to usable information about safer home features and local resources. Participants received adaptive items that support daily safety, including lighting, and learned how small changes can reduce risks at home. The work built on an existing age-friendly housing vision and strengthened collaboration with local leaders and partners. New presentation materials are now ready for repeat use in community spaces, supporting continued education and informing housing discussions.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Johnsburg, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: In Johnsburg, many older adults with limited mobility faced unsafe bathrooms and hard-to-navigate entrances, putting daily routines and independence at risk. With limited means to pay for fixes, hazards went unaddressed. The committee launched a pilot HomeFit Modification Program and completed improvements in seven homes using volunteers and town staff. Work included entrance and bathroom upgrades and a critical wiring repair that removed a fire risk discovered during a visit. The pilot also prompted public and private commitments to continue the program in 2026 and expand the scope so more households can receive larger safety upgrades.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Jamestown, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults in Jamestown needed clearer guidance and simple tools to make their homes safer, especially when mobility challenges increase fall risks. The group expanded its planned sessions into five well-attended events and a two month library display that offered home safety education, low cost products and the option to book personalized home visits. Weekly visits grew from these sessions, and residents received items like night lights, grab bars and toilet handles at no cost. One woman said she could not believe the team would install toilet handles for her without charging, and others expressed similar gratitude. Partnerships with the library and community groups will support continued safety fairs, displays and ongoing home visits that help older adults stay safer and more confident at home.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Richmond, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Hundreds of elementary school students cross busy Lynhaven Avenue each day on their way to school in Richmond's Bellemeade neighborhood. Walk audits and other community engagement efforts have shown speeding and distracted driving are a common issue on the street. To slow down traffic and improve safety, Sports Backers commissioned local artists to create pavement murals at two intersections. Project organizers hope murals catch the attention of motorists, encouraging them to pay attention to the road and slow down.
Richmond, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The Greater Richmond Age Wave Coalition hoped to beautify the Green Park neighborhood and foster relationships between neighbors. To do this, the nonprofit worked to provide community gardening opportunities to residents. To allow older adults to grow produce at home, the nonprofit built 25 garden boxes. Additionally, they created an outdoor courtyard space with raised garden beds at Highland Park Apartments. The Coalition hired local youth to construct and deliver the self-water boxes. The Coalition also held two community gardening events. To help people participate, they offset a portion of public transportation fares for attendees. The Age Wave Coalition's gardening efforts operate under the talent-sharing model, which connects experienced gardeners with people interested learning more about growing fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs.
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