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Detroit, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet
Description: Older adults on Detroit's east side faced gaps in affordable internet access, devices and hands-on support, limiting their ability to manage daily tasks, stay informed and participate in community life. Eastside Community Network expanded its tech hub by upgrading wi-fi and equipment and providing shared tablets for community use. The grantee hosted two eight-week digital literacy classes for older adults covering email setup, online safety and basic smartphone use. In addition, transportation and follow-up help were offered. Participants reported greater confidence and stronger engagement. Upgrades and shared devices continued to support hundreds of residents, reinforcing the hub as a long-term access point.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Cheyenne, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet
Description: The senior center will expand digital education programs using shared devices and guided instruction. Participants will build confidence using online tools for health, safety and communication.
Los Angeles, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet
Description: Recent wildfires showed that many older adults, including those aging with disabilities, could not reliably receive alerts or take part in emergency planning. World Institute on Disability responded with digital literacy and disaster preparedness workshops for older adults impacted by the fires, supported by an accessible, screen-reader-friendly toolkit for ongoing use. Older adult peer mentors helped guide participants and extend support beyond the sessions. One participant said they had never joined disaster planning because others made safety decisions for them, but the training helped them ask about alerts and communication options. Participants reported greater confidence using technology for alerts, telehealth and coordination, strengthening self-advocacy and readiness for future emergencies.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Vanceboro, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Resources about housing options, safety and services
Description: Returning citizens in North Carolina often face homelessness and few safe housing options. Wash Away Unemployment built an ADA-compliant tiny home for a man over age 70 who had lived in a shelter for five years. More than 25 volunteers helped complete the project, which sparked local discussions about ordinances for similar housing. "This project gave me purpose," said one volunteer, reflecting the community engagement behind the build.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Trenton, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space improvements to support recovery after extreme weather events
Description: To honor first responders who saved lives during Hurricane Florence, the Town of Trenton planned to develop a new park. The green space's design focuses on mobility and includes a freshwater pond, memorial and gathering space for entertainment. Organizers hope the project helps the community as it recovers from the storm.
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