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NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: ADUs, tiny homes, missing middle and manufactured housing
Description: Many rural communities in Nebraska struggled to offer affordable homes, and the lack of zoning and design standards for modular housing made it harder to create options suitable for older adults. NIFA developed new neighborhood and design standards, engaged cities and regional partners and trained Communities for Housing participants on issues such as affordability, accessibility and home size. They also released an RFP to identify manufacturers that meet the standards. These steps will support a planned modular housing procurement facility that can help communities bring well-designed, accessible homes online more quickly. Community partners expressed enthusiasm, noting the program's potential to expand stable housing choices across rural areas.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: ADUs, tiny homes, missing middle and manufactured housing
Description: Partners for Livable Omaha responded to a shortage of practical, aging-ready housing that made it hard for older adults to stay in their communities. The team advanced a small-house system designed to be accessible, buildable and useful for emerging developers. They hosted a design exhibition, launched a public catalog and website, began construction on two small houses and trained dozens of architecture students and interns who helped expand the design library. The effort prompted builders and developers to explore energy-efficient designs that ease daily living. One student said they gained "meaningful skills development... and better understand how projects move from concept to construction," reflecting how the project strengthened the future workforce.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Tallahassee, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: ADUs, tiny homes, missing middle and manufactured housing
Description: A statewide housing design gallery will showcase adaptable, small-scale housing models suited for older adults. One community will receive technical support to apply a design on a real site.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Lihue, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: High housing costs in Lihue left older adults and families struggling for affordable options. Better Block Hawaii hosted a design competition for climate-resilient, age-friendly accessory dwelling units, engaging residents through workshops and a review committee. Eight submissions were received, and winning designs were published in a free booklet to guide future builds. "This is a home I can imagine living in," said one attendee at the community open house. The project raised awareness of ADUs as a practical solution for housing and supplemental income and sparked interest in similar efforts across Hawaii.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lihue, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Kauai Senior Citizens Softball Association addressed safety risks at shared county ballparks where worn surfaces, damaged fencing and aging facilities put older adult players at risk. With the limited public resources prioritized elsewhere, volunteer teams stepped in to make the fields safer. The association coordinated repairs at three parks, painting dugouts and scorer booths, fixing fencing and improving infield surfaces at home plate and bases. Materials were secured for permanent safety upgrades that support regular play. The work reduced tripping hazards and improved field conditions for older adult leagues while strengthening collaboration with youth associations that also use the parks. These partnerships set the stage for continued upkeep and safer shared use across seasons, helping players stay active and engaged in a setting that depends on safe, playable fields.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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