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Sustainable Connections (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Housing Design Competitions
└ Housing Design Competitions
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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.
Cleveland Heights, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: Zoning barriers and high costs limited Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), reducing housing options for older adults. To build awareness and momentum, the city hosted an ADU design competition that drew 28 submissions and over 5,300 online views. Three winning designs will become pre-approved plans, and a showcase event engaged residents and media. These steps laid the groundwork for zoning changes and future ADU construction, offering affordable, accessible housing. One resident said, "After decades of dreaming of a garage conversion for me in my golden years, I was thrilled to learn my city would reconsider zoning."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Montclair, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: Skyrocketing housing costs and property taxes left older adults with few options to remain in their neighborhoods. To address this, Montclair Gateway launched a design competition for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), drawing 31 submissions from architecture students. Six winning designs were exhibited publicly and added to an online resource library, giving homeowners practical plans for age-friendly housing. The effort sparked local ADU applications and informed state policy discussions. "We want to keep our elders close to us at this point in our lives and in their lives," said one homeowner.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Lummi Island, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults on the island wanted to remain in their homes but faced fall risks from stairs, clutter and aging fixtures. Limited access to local contractors and low awareness of home safety options made it hard to address those hazards. The Lummi Island Health and Wellness Program responded with community HomeFit trainings, volunteer-led home assessments and simple modifications such as grab bars, handrails and non-slip surfaces. Residents learned how small changes could make daily routines safer. One workshop participant said the program "made it seem actionable" after seeing how neighbors adapted their homes. The effort helped residents feel more confident taking steps to age in place and built a local network of volunteers and partners to continue supporting safer homes.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Maple Falls, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance repair and services
Description: This project will repair homes for low-income homeowners age 50-plus who cannot afford or physically manage the repairs. Repairs include roof fixes, wheelchair ramps, and yard cleanup.
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