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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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Beaverton, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Educational training courses will share home safety and modification information with program members age 50 and older. Visual examples and outreach materials will support understanding and practical use.
Rocky Mount, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County addressed safety hazards that made daily tasks hard for older adults and put independence at risk. The team integrated HomeFit and safety assessments into every repair visit, adding practical upgrades like low-entry showers with grab bars and flooring fixes for three families that included five people age 50-plus. A construction manager now conducts an accessibility review on each project, and outreach boosted applications, revealing wider need. The new process is standard practice and strengthens evidence for funders. One resident said showering is "very easy" now and praised the crew for a "wonderful job."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
West Memphis, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Community trainings will teach older adults and their families how to use a home safety guide. Affordable products and demonstrations will support safer aging at home.
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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