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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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Bernalillo, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: The disability modification program will complete essential home-safety upgrades for 10 homeowners. These changes will support safer mobility and independence.
Cortland, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Older adults faced safety risks at home and lacked affordable options for modifications. The project delivered home safety training and distributed low-cost products, while public presentations raised awareness and encouraged practical steps. Staff guided participants on using grab bars and other aids, and outreach sparked interest in borrowing equipment from the organization's loan closet. One attendee even opened his home for volunteer-led improvements, showing how education can lead to action and safer living.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Marion, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many training sessions will teach older adults and partners how to identify home hazards and implement safety solutions. Select households will also receive simple home modifications to support safer living.
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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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