New York, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing

Description: Long Island's housing shortage leaves older adults struggling to stay near family. Regional Plan Association produced videos showing how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can help, featuring residents who rely on ADUs to age in place or support loved ones. The stories, shared with housing advocates, fueled a statewide coalition and informed proposals like the New York Housing Compact. "We've enjoyed living in an ADU at our daughter's house... but now face incredible uncertainty," said one couple, underscoring the urgency for flexible housing options.

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

Moro, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing

Description: With few housing options, older adults in Moro struggled to downsize or live near family. The city responded by creating two permit-ready ADU designs with accessibility features, shaped by public input and offered free at City Hall. The plans, shared with neighboring Condon, cut design costs and made construction easier. The project sparked enthusiasm for ADUs, a housing type newly allowed in 2022, and is expected to lead to the first builds soon. "It has been wonderful to see members of both city councils... getting excited about ADUs," one participant said.

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

Aurora, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing

Description: This project supported ongoing efforts to create 92 permanently affordable condos in Denver's Santa Fe arts district. Situated around a common courtyard, the housing development sits on the former footprint of two single-family homes. The increased housing density makes space for more people attain homeownership in the neighborhood. Energy efficient appliances, solar power and low-flow plumbing fixtures contribute to each home's energy efficiency. Since its completion, project organizers say the project has inspired affordable housing development elsewhere in Denver.