Durham, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: Like many places, Durham is experiencing an affordable housing crisis, with many longtime residents displaced from their neighborhoods. To help residents remain in their homes, Durham Habitat for Humanity expanded its Repairs Program services for low-income, older and disabled residents. The organization purchased a second-hand work truck, which helps work crews perform repairs and home maintenance tasks. Since the purchased, Habitat's teams improved homes in a year, representing a 50 percent increase from the year before. The improvements address unsafe living conditions and make homes more accessible for residents of all ages and abilities. Organizers say providing cost-effective repairs preserves affordable housing and curbs gentrification.

Detroit, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: This project provided free home-repair services to older adults identified by local organizations and a senior center.

Dubuque, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: Local students will complete home modifications for low-income older adults, allowing them to age in place. The effort will also offer on-the-job training, mentorship and life planning assistance for participating students.