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Ruths Eye of the Storm (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
Ruths Eye of the Storm addressed home safety risks faced by older adults, including survivors of domestic abuse, who were struggling to remain safely housed due to small but serious hazards inside their homes. Limited mobility, fear of approaching landlords and lack of awareness about affordable modifications made everyday conditions more dangerous. The project organized educational and demonstration events that connected older adults with simple safety solutions and trusted community partners. Participants received items such as lighting, nonskid materials and pathway supports, along with follow-up home walkthroughs to identify and address additional risks. In several cases, the work led to direct, individualized interventions that resolved urgent problems, including restoring safe access to water and bathroom facilities. One participant, after critical repairs were completed, described the impact plainly: "This is what dignity looks like."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
Gresham, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Trained volunteers will evaluate homes with older adults using a structured safety guide. Basic safety items will be installed to improve comfort and security.
Shawnee, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults in Authority housing faced preventable bathroom hazards that made daily routines risky and aging in place harder. Staff conducted in-home assessments, then supplied practical fixes such as grab bars, shower chairs, non-slip mats and adjustable shower heads. Using HomeFit guidance, they addressed immediate needs and explained the Reasonable Accommodation process for longer-term changes. The effort sharpened staff focus on older adult needs during rehab and construction. In one home, a tenant had used a kitchen chair to get in and out of the tub. Staff installed safer equipment, then helped pursue an accommodation that led to a walk-in shower. The project reduced risks and embedded age-friendly practices in ongoing operations.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Jamestown, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults in Jamestown needed clearer guidance and simple tools to make their homes safer, especially when mobility challenges increase fall risks. The group expanded its planned sessions into five well-attended events and a two month library display that offered home safety education, low cost products and the option to book personalized home visits. Weekly visits grew from these sessions, and residents received items like night lights, grab bars and toilet handles at no cost. One woman said she could not believe the team would install toilet handles for her without charging, and others expressed similar gratitude. Partnerships with the library and community groups will support continued safety fairs, displays and ongoing home visits that help older adults stay safer and more confident at home.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Cave Junction, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Outdated pavilion lighting will be replaced with energy-efficient fixtures to better illuminate gathering areas, exits and walkways. Improved lighting will make events easier to host and support safer movement after dark.
Port Orford, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To revitalize Port Orford's downtown and make it more walkable, the City installed benches with built-in planters along Main Street. Sites chosen for the new benches included the local food co-op, a quilt shop and a Norwegian restaurant. A construction crew from a nearby correctional facility built four bench-planter combos. High school students made plaques to recognize the inmates for their work and AARP for funding the building supplies. After installation, the local arts council set up the community's traditional holiday crab-pot tree next to one of the benches and added festive decorations to its planter. Project organizers report downtown property owners are thrilled with the improvements and the City plans to continue adding seating to Main Street.
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