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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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Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: Anchorage's shortage of small multi-family housing with accessible units leaves older adults few options to age in place. To address this, a design competition engaged architects, builders and aging experts to create realistic plans for 2-4 unit homes with ground-floor accessibility. Designs were unveiled at public events, including a First Friday showcase that drew nearly 1,500 attendees and sparked dialogue on housing solutions. Two designs could be built under current codes, and one resident shared, "I love my mom living with us...I would always choose to have my mom live with us."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Iowa City, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: To expand affordable housing options, Johnson County tackled restrictive ADU policies through a creative approach: Lego design competitions at fairs, libraries and festivals. The events drew 156 participants and hundreds of visitors, sparking conversations about zoning flexibility. Volunteers shared materials on ADU benefits, and advocacy led Iowa City to adopt nearly all proposed code amendments. Parents at the events voiced interest in ADUs for aging relatives, signaling growing community support for housing solutions.
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.
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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