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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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Bowling Green, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: In Bowling Green's Delafield neighborhood, many older adults face hazards that make aging in place difficult. HOTEL INC addressed this by offering five home safety trainings for 55 residents and creating a display of affordable accessibility products. Volunteers completed simple modifications in 15 homes and distributed dozens of safety items, while more than 150 motion-sensor night lights were provided through trainings and displays. Residents reported greater independence, such as easier kitchen access and reduced fall risks. The effort built trust and sparked conversations about broader livability improvements like sidewalks and parks.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Pinellas Park, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Older residents in Pinellas Park faced high fall risks at home, often relying on emergency services after accidents. To improve safety, the fire department installed grab bars in homes of residents age 50-plus identified as high-risk. The project strengthened community ties and raised awareness about home safety, helping older adults feel more secure and confident. Participants expressed gratitude, saying the changes made them feel safer at home.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Danforth, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: This project will host four educational meetings in a tri-county rural region to show older adults and their families how to make homes safer, focusing on fall and injury prevention.
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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