Sandoval, NM

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Rebuilding Together targeted home safety hazards that keep older adults from feeling secure at home. Crews improved safety in 10 homes by installing packages with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. Residents reported greater confidence and now know how to ask for future health and safety repairs. One rural resident living on a fixed income said new alarms and an extinguisher eased fears about delayed emergency response. They organization will seek funding to continue free repairs, including critical systems and mobility upgrades such as ramps.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Evansville, IN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Missing handrails or grab bars made routine movement at home unsafe for many older adults and in some cases kept them from leaving their houses. Community One addressed this risk through its Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program by installing handrails and grab bars in local homes and purchasing materials for future projects. Volunteer-led installations focused on practical fixes at entryways, stairs and bathrooms. One resident said that without a handrail, leaving her home felt dangerous, but after installation she felt relief and could move safely. The work reduced fall risk, supported aging in place and built a trained volunteer base for ongoing support.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Richmond, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: 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.