Fredericksburg, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: Lower-income residents with long-term mobility disabilities faced isolation and risked losing independence without safe home access. The organization installed three durable wheelchair ramps, enabling clients to reach medical care and remain in their homes. These ramps, expected to last a decade or more, restore freedom and reduce reliance on family or assisted living. "There is nothing like seeing the joy in the face of an individual that has regained freedom they may not have had for years," said a supporter, underscoring the project's lasting impact on safety and dignity.

Charleston, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: This project assisted low-income older adults with home repairs and maintenance, allowing them to safely age in place in their homes. Faith in Action's Honey Do Crews preformed a variety of tasks for older adults in Kanawha and Putnam Counties, from changing lightbulbs to repainting porches. In total, grant funds supported 16 projects. One participant was living in a home with a flimsy, glass patio door installed where a proper front door should have been. To lock the door, she would insert a broom handle across the doorway. Faith in Action purchased a new door with a deadbolt and a volunteer installed it. "I feel like I've been released from prison," the homeowner said. "I love my new door."

Blue Hill, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: To showcase practical, affordable devices that can help older adults remain independent in their homes, Healthy Peninsula put together its Traveling Tool Table display. The tool table features 42 items, including a telephone with picture display, a smoke detector with a strobe light, no-tie elastic shoelaces and a seat cushion that helps a person rise from a chair. The exhibit traveled to five area libraries, where visitors were able to try out the tools and ask local experts questions. Healthy Peninsula designed the exhibit to be lent to other organizations, such as community centers, and featured at events, such as health expos.