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Long Term Recovery Group of Puerto Rico (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Community Resilience
└ Emergency preparedness skills
└ Emergency preparedness skills
When hurricanes or earthquakes hit, residents lacked reliable water, power and communication-leaving older adults especially vulnerable. The group installed cisterns for water storage, solar-powered emergency communications and lighting and trained residents in disaster response, food preservation and gardening. Volunteers age 50-plus helped with installations and simulations. Now, the community has a safer, more sustainable hub for emergencies. "Everyone is amazed how with minimal space they can grow food and reduce costs," said one participant, reflecting new skills and confidence for the future.
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
Roseburg, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills
Description: Douglas County's history of wildfires and severe weather leaves older adults in rural areas at high risk, especially those who are homebound and unable to evacuate. To address this, the project distributed over 11,000 preparedness guides in English and Spanish, hosted 30 education events and provided Go kit bags and NOAA radios to more than 500 residents age 50-plus. These efforts boosted readiness and sparked neighborhood planning. A rural fire chief praised the program, saying it "helped to solidify more preparedness for some of our most vulnerable older adults...great job!"
South Portland, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills
Description: South Portlands coastal location faces flooding and severe weather risks, yet many older adults in public housing lacked clear evacuation plans and resources. Volunteers reached 388 residents through workshops and housing presentations. They distributed Go-kits with essentials like lanterns and first aid supplies, plus large-print and translated materials. The effort built new partnerships with the Fire Department and Housing Authority, sparked safety programs and secured an additional grant for disaster food packs. Residents even formed buddy systems to support each other during emergencies.
Sparks, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills
Description: Many older adults in Sparks were unprepared for emergencies, especially those homebound and living alone. To address this, the city hosted preparedness sessions and assembled 400 go-kits stocked with essentials like pill boxes, hygiene items, flashlights and rechargeable radios. Volunteers, most age 50-plus, helped pack and distribute kits through Meals on Wheels and during fire department calls. Spanish-language materials and recorded presentations extended the reach. "I'm so grateful for the emergency go-bag! What a great project for the City to do," said one participant, highlighting its role in improving safety and peace of mind.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Loiza, PR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: Older adults in Loiza often rely on bicycles to reach health centers, schools and shops, but PR-187 lacked clear signage and safe infrastructure. The project marked the Canobana-Yuisa route with bike arrows, installed racks and wheel stops and added signs to promote shared-road safety. Residents celebrated the first markings, and officials plan to replicate the model in other areas. This will create safer, more connected streets that encourage active transportation for people of all ages.
Loiza, PR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will create an accessible space at the Emiliano Figueroa Torres Community Center. It will feature ergonomic benches, game tables, raised garden beds, and solar-powered lighting.
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San Juan, PR 00918
United States