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Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Unsafe home conditions in Tulsa put older adults at risk of falls and loss of independence. The organization built 10 wheelchair ramps and installed grab bars in bathrooms, while volunteers replaced more than 100 lightbulbs to prevent hazards. These improvements allow clients to age safely in place and reduce fall risks. The project also set the stage for future home safety upgrades. One client shared gratitude after volunteers repaired a shattered storm door the same day, saying the quick response let him enter and exit his home safely.
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
St. Petersburg, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: The Dream Center works with low-income families throughout Pinellas County, focusing on improving safety and livability for older adults in their homes. This project made home repairs and accessibility modifications to 25 houses, including widening doors and installing grab bars, chair lifts, wheelchair ramps, handrails and toilet seat lifts. Project organizers say these repairs shielded families from facing potentially expensive fines for code violations. The Dream Center also provided food assistance and hygiene items to older adults. Today the Center continues to provide home modification assistance through its Adopt A Block program.
Seattle, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Rising home costs and unaffordable repairs left many older adults at risk of losing their homes. Habitat SKKC expanded its aging-in-place services through the CAPABLE program, combining home safety modifications with in-home support from an occupational therapist and nurse. Six homeowners received tailored plans and repairs, from grab bars to handrails, improving safety and independence. The program helps older adults remain in their homes for years, reducing health care costs and preserving community stability while scaling to serve more households.
Bethel, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: The Town of Bethel's Age-Friendly Community Initiative created four displays featuring adaptive tools, as well as a catalog with descriptions of each tools and information about where to buy them. One display has been deployed at community outreach events attended by hundreds of residents. Two others are available for nearby communities to borrow for their own events. A local hardware store provided a home for the third display to make adaptive tools available to Bethel residents. In addition, project organizers engaged an occupational therapist to conduct home assessments to help residents determine their risk of falls. Grant funds also supported the local smoke alarm installation and fire escape plan program, conducted in partnership with local fire departments and the Maine Red Cross, as well as the National Fire Protection Association's Be Safe in Your Home initiative.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Tulsa, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: This project will enhance pedestrian safety and walkability in by improving crosswalks, adding directional signage, and incorporating street beautification.
Tulsa, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: In North Tulsa, where grocery stores are miles away, older adults face tough choices between healthy food and essentials. The project expanded community gardens with raised beds and seating for easier access, plus a Monarch Waystation to support pollinators. Gardens produced fresh vegetables for residents and food festivals serving hundreds of households. The improvements strengthened intergenerational ties and inspired plans for day care partnerships. As one volunteer shared, gardening "helps with PTSD and allows me to get outside when I normally would stay in my house," showing the projects impact beyond nutrition.
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