AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
See More Projects Like This One
Memphis, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Many older adults in the Hollywood community lacked clear guidance on how to prepare for disasters, leaving households without plans and uncertainty about insurance coverage. Center for Transforming Communities addressed this gap through two preparedness sessions that walked residents through local risks, insurance basics and practical planning steps. Participants created household disaster plans and discussed the supplies they would need to respond more effectively. One resident said, "I liked the way you broke it down. I understood what you were talking about. It helped me go home and make these changes." Another participant contacted her insurance provider after learning about common coverage gaps. Follow-up check-ins are planned to help residents keep plans current, reinforcing preparedness over time.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Denville, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: This project will offer in-person and virtual disaster pre-planning training sessions. Participants will receive emergency supply checklists and 72-hour survival backpack kits.
Skokie, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Orchard Village set out to help older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities prepare for emergencies by offering clear guidance and accessible tools. The team held disaster preparedness trainings for clients, staff and family members, creating contact books, checklists and tailored presentations. They also distributed go-bags, whistles and flashlights. They equipped each community home with a waterproof emergency kit stocked with essential items. Participants said the sessions opened their eyes to the risks they may face and motivated them to create their own go-bags. Staff reported feeling more confident supporting clients during emergencies and the improvements strengthened readiness across all homes.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Columbia, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Columbia set out to provide outdoor seating along Main Street, an area that attracts pedestrians and hosts events that draw visitors from the surrounding region. Project organizers say that people now have a spot to work on their laptops, enjoy a cup of coffee or take in a meal from nearby food trucks. Although staff originally removed and stored the tables at the end of each day, their popularity spurred the City to leave them out permanently. And when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the colorful tables and chairs provided residents with a safe space to gather outside. Because the seating is heavily used, the City has explored more ways to provide seating on Main Street.
Columbia, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: In Columbia, many older adults want to grow and preserve food but face tight budgets, limited space and few chances to learn practical skills alongside others. NoMa STEAM addressed this by expanding hands-on and virtual programming at the Bridge of Hope Community Garden. Older adults joined garden talks and food preservation workshops. Volunteer days focused on low-maintenance growing, composting and safe canning. One participant said simple tips, like new ways to prepare harvested vegetables, helped them use what they grew at home. Over time, the project strengthened confidence, encouraged regular physical activity and deepened connections between older adults and younger volunteers. By anchoring consistent programming in the garden, the space was reinforced as a lasting neighborhood resource for food knowledge, skill building and social connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP South Carolina State Office
1201 Main Street
Suite 1720
Columbia, SC 29201
United States