Dubois, WY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: In a remote Wyoming town, older adults faced losing independence as home upkeep and heating needs became overwhelming. Volunteers stepped in, cutting and delivering more than 30 loads of firewood, assisting with moves and repairing doors, cabinets and stair railings. They also winterized homes and provided yard work. These efforts kept residents safe and warm through harsh winters and continue monthly with plans for more repairs. One recipient, a 101-year-old veteran on hospice, received firewood, illustrating the project's critical role in meeting urgent needs.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

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.

Buffalo, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: To help low-income families rehabilitate their homes, Habitat for Humanity Buffalo held a series of construction skills trainings. Designed to reach people without a background in construction, the workshops focused on plumbing and electrical work. Project organizers say these education efforts ensure individuals are empowered to undertake critical home repairs. Additionally, the nonprofit wanted to help its volunteers understand the communities they serve. To do this, the organization hosted training sessions on topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Organizers report the sessions informed Home Team volunteers about the history of low-income communities and reinforced the importance of Habitat's mission to construct affordable housing.