Jacksonville, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: This project will conduct walk audits and follow-up meetings. Lack of sidewalks and crossing signals presents a safety issue in the neighborhood, and parking overflows onto the area's narrow residential streets during community events.

Philadelphia, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Uneven sidewalks, obstructed curb ramps and short crossing times on Girard Avenue limited safe travel for older adults and people with mobility challenges. Two community-led walk audits engaged more than 20 participants and produced a report with recommendations on curb ramp repairs, clearer crosswalk markings and better signal timing. The process strengthened ties with city agencies and made officials more responsive to unified community input. A near-miss when a driver ran a light underscored urgency and helped build support for long-term corridor improvements.

New York, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Along a major Open Street in Queens, older adults rely on the corridor for daily walks yet report confusion and safety concerns tied to inconsistent signs, fast bikes and uneven pavement. Selfhelp Community Services organized five walk audits with older adult volunteers from nearby co-ops, documenting issues such as limited seating, neglected plantings and blocks needing street and sidewalk repair. A long-time resident who was previously hit by a car joined all five walks, excited to make a difference in the community. Findings were delivered to transportation officials and elected leaders as redesign and budgeting decisions advance.