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Shelter WF (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Housing Design Competitions
└ Housing Design Competitions
Whitefish's housing shortage forces many older adults to remain in homes that no longer meet their needs, or to leave the area entirely. Shelter WF launched a design competition during the city's Growth Policy Update, drawing 11 submissions and over 120 public votes. The project produced educational materials and a magazine shared with city leaders, sparking conversations about zoning reforms and gentle density. Two board members joined a city review panel, and designs focused on aging in place are now influencing policy discussions to expand affordable housing options.
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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Bellingham, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: Bellingham's housing shortage left many older adults without options to age in place, even after an ordinance allowed accessory dwelling units (ADUs). To raise awareness, Sustainable Connections hosted an ADU Design Competition that drew 45 submissions and thousands of public votes. The event featured an awards celebration and collaboration with Aging Well Whatcom to ensure designs met aging-in-place needs. The effort educated residents and designers, strengthened ties between planners and developers and sparked momentum for more ADUs, helping older adults live independently while staying connected to family.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Roanoke, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing 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.
Portland, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: An aging-in-place guide and video will be created from proven housing examples. The materials will help neighborhoods explore local housing pathways.
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Eureka, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults and veterans in a remote Montana community will receive easy-to-use tablets and in-person telehealth training. The project will help residents meet with medical providers online rather than travel long distances.
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