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Salem Public Library (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
Older adults often lacked guidance on affordable home safety upgrades and legal planning, leaving them vulnerable to falls and uncertainty about aging in place. The library hosted four expert-led workshops on topics from elder law to home modifications, drawing 122 attendees. Early participants received practical items like nightlights and jar openers, and 100 aging-in-place workbooks were distributed. Attendees said the sessions were "very informative," with one noting, "The elder law talk really helped me know what I need to do to protect myself." Afterwards, many began planning to contact local agencies or pursue safety improvements.
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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Fort Lauderdale, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Unsafe homes left many older adults at risk of falls and fire hazards. The group upgraded 20 homes with grab bars, stair railings, smoke detectors and motion-sensor lighting, while also adding adaptive showerheads and replacing unsafe outlets. These changes improved safety and independence for residents. One recipient said that the grab bars installed after his stroke made him feel secure and mobile again. Another home received railings after a fall, preventing future accidents and ensuring peace of mind for the family.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Fort Collins, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: The Institute focused on a common challenge facing older adults who want to remain in their homes: knowing which design features truly support safety, accessibility and long-term independence. Builders and homeowners often lack practical guidance to apply aging-in-place principles with confidence. The project produced and piloted a Resident Guide that explains these features in clear, usable terms, tested with a homeowner living in a certified Lifelong Home. The guide helped residents better understand their home and nearby services while also serving as a replicable tool for housing professionals. One homeowner said the guide was "super helpful so I don't have to do all the research myself." The work increased awareness of age-friendly housing design, informed future pilot projects and strengthened partnerships that can influence how homes are designed and finished in the years ahead.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Saint Paul, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Small but critical home safety issues left many older adults at risk of falls and struggling with daily tasks. North East Seniors for Better Living launched an in-home repair and safety inspection program by hiring a dedicated staff member to address urgent needs. Visits focused on fixing broken items, identifying fall hazards and talking through other challenges such as transportation, food access or chore help. In one case, a resident regained safe access to his garage after storm damage was cleared. By pairing repairs with personal check-ins, the program helped older adults remain safer at home and created an ongoing way to connect residents with broader support.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Roanoke, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Facing an aging population and rising housing costs, Roanoke updated zoning to allow accessory dwelling units but needed to build awareness. The city partnered with AIA Blue Ridge for a design competition that produced four pre-approved ADU plans, an online design book and a resource website. Workshops and an awards event showcased universal design and aging-in-place strategies. Residents are now exploring ADU construction using these plans, a shift expected to add new units each year and help older adults stay in their neighborhoods.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Roanoke, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: When a nearby bridge closed, Ferdinand Avenue became the only route to the Roanoke River Greenway, forcing heavy traffic onto streets already unsafe for walkers and bikers. Wide intersections and no crosswalks made conditions especially risky for older adults. PedalSafe ROA responded with artistic pavement markings and temporary barriers at three intersections, slowing cars and improving visibility. Volunteers painted nearly 7,000 square feet of art and the city committed to a permanent mini-roundabout. Residents report safer crossings and stronger community ties. "This project was exciting because of all of the people that it brought together... and the way that it created a better and more beautiful corridor," said PedalSafe's chairperson.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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