AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Red Feather (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Organizers with Red Feather recognized that Native elders have a strong cultural preference to age in place in their own homes. To help older adults from the Hopi and Navajo tribes, the nonprofit set out to make elders' home safer. Case managers made home visits to conduct aging in place assessments, create a plan to modify homes and educate homeowners about safety. The nonprofit also modified homes, installing a ramp, repairing a roof and providing new kitchen appliances. Organizers say the initiative helped address health disparities -- Native elders have a lower life expectancy and higher rates of disability and chronic health conditions than other populations. Organizers anticipate home modifications will reduce falls, keeping elders out of the hospital.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Dubuque, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Many older adults in Dubuque faced hazards that made aging in place unsafe, while local youth lacked pathways to stable employment. The program tackled both issues by completing 21 home modifications, such as tub-to-shower conversions, grab bars and improved lighting for income-qualifying older adults. Students received paid, hands-on training and hosted a older adults' luncheon to build intergenerational connections. These upgrades improved safety and independence for older residents and gave youth valuable job skills. Positive feedback and new city funding will help sustain and expand this work, strengthening community ties.
Tucson, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: The project addressed a critical shortage of safe, affordable assisted living for low-income older adults in Tucson. Volunteers made renovations to 19 units, adding new flooring, paint and bathroom fixtures to improve accessibility and comfort. These upgrades created a more sustainable living environment and lifted residents' spirits. One resident shared that she now can wake up in the morning with a smile on her face, underscoring the impact of these improvements on daily life.
Westford, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Habitat for Humanity's Critical Home Repair helps lower-income older adults and veterans remain in their homes by helping with basic repairs and maintenance tasks. This project provided tools for the initiative. The tools allow Habitat to make accessibility upgrades to homes throughout Lowell -- such as adding wheelchair ramps -- as well as expand the number of homes the organization can repair and build.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Tuba City, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Nanees'Dizi Chapter government serves nearly 10,000 members of the Navajo Nation. Recently, the Chapter redid its headquarters to offer an incubation space for local vendors, artists and businesses, including adding an outdoor market. Change Labs hoped to help residents access this space, so they installed new steps and a handrail. Ahead of the work, Change Labs met with older adults in the community to understand their needs. Organizers say the project sparked a community conversation about needed infrastructure upgrades. It also strengthened relationships between local business owners and government leaders.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Arizona State Office
7250 N 16th Street
Suite 302
Phoenix, AZ 85020
United States