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Shenandoah County (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Housing Design Competitions
└ Housing Design Competitions
Shenandoah County faced a shortage of smaller accessible homes that would let older adults stay near family and services. The county launched a design competition to create pre-approved ADU plans and used public outreach to explain why flexible housing matters, especially for residents who want to age in place but struggle with large or costly homes. The project sparked discussions among towns about zoning updates that could expand housing choices. A homeowner with worsening mobility shared that the competition gave her hope she could remain in the home she loves. The effort built momentum for long term improvements and informed communitywide planning.
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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Jackson, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: The City of Jackson launched an ADU design competition to make it easier for homeowners to create accessible housing that supports aging in place. Rising costs and limited options left many older adults without practical ways to stay in their communities, so the city sought designs that removed common barriers. The competition produced three winning ADU plans with features such as no-step entrances, roll-in showers, wide doorways and lever-style handles. These will become free, pre-approved building plans to help residents save time and reduce costs. Community interest is already strong, and the city expects the plans to increase affordable housing and help more people remain safely at home. Nearby communities have shown interest in replicating the model, and Jackson will next finalize the plans with its Planning Commission and publish them online for public use.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: The Rural Housing Coalition will host a design competition for mobile homes that meet the needs of older adults and people with disabilities. The winning designs will be shared with manufacturers and housing agencies to improve affordable housing options.
Madison, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: The Realtors Association addressed the lack of affordable and accessible housing options for older adults in Madison, where rising costs and limited land made it harder for longtime residents to stay in their communities. The ADU design competition brought together partners across the housing sector and drew strong engagement through an open house and a broad online campaign. These efforts sparked new conversations about accessibility, sustainability and affordability in small-scale housing. The project also encouraged continued collaboration, with next steps focused on presenting top designs to city leaders and pursuing pre-approval to streamline construction for residents.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Winchester, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Access to health care services
Description: In Northern Shenandoah Valley, older adults often didn't know what services were available to help them age well, creating a critical gap in receiving city support. The Council convened meetings and produced 3,000 Quick Look Reference Guides listing local health and support resources, distributing them where residents could easily find them. These efforts improved connectivity and empowered people to navigate services confidently. "The council's work created a transformative environment," said one community member, noting its role in reframing aging and fostering collaboration for long-term inclusivity.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Moorefield, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public Places Other
Description: The project will construct a short, easy-to-navigate walking trail beside a local community and wellness center used by older adults. The trail will provide a place for gentle exercise, short walks and informal social time near daily services.
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