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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.
Macomb, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: This project will use vetted volunteers to conduct home safety visits for low-income older adults. Volunteers will drive to homes and use checklists of easy fixes to make homes safer.
Kewanee, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults wanted to stay independent at home but lacked practical guidance and low-cost tools to reduce fall risk. The city hosted two knowledge-sharing events on home safety and simple modifications, pairing demonstrations with free home fit devices and bilingual take-home guides. Staff also connected attendees to local partners for repairs and mobility support. The effort moved people from information to action: eight participants enrolled in and completed a balance class and neighbors exchanged numbers to keep learning together. Attendees expressed gratitude, and the events built confidence, sparked peer support and set up next steps to continue classes and expand assistance.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Kennett Square, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: With the goal of supporting small businesses downtown, this project created the first parklet in Kennett Square. Before installing the mini-park, only one side of the borough's main street featured wide sidewalks and could be closed to vehicles on the weekends. Project organizers hoped to expand the space available for outdoor dining and gathering. To do this, the Historic Kennett Square repurposed three on-street parking spaces, installing deck flooring, adding overhead string lights and setting out picnic tables and planters. Four restaurants -- two coffee shops and two restaurants -- used the space. Volunteers designed the parklet be torn down ahead of the winter months and set back up in the spring. Project organizers say the parklet helped demonstrate the value of placemaking projects.
Lancaster, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public safety interventions
Description: Older adults in southeast Lancaster faced unsafe, littered sidewalks and poor lighting on their walk to the Marin Senior Center, limiting access to meals and social activities. To improve safety and comfort, SACA trimmed and planted trees, installed benches and added 25 porch-mounted trash receptacles to reduce litter. Large planters now block illegal parking, and nine security cameras enhance visibility. They now enjoy cleaner, greener streets and artistic seating like a Monarch butterfly bench, creating a welcoming route that fosters social interaction and sets a model for future neighborhood revitalization.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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