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Tucson Home Sharing Inc. with Pima Council on Aging (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Lifelong housing and accessibility
└ Lifelong housing and accessibility
Like many communities, Tucson has struggled to meet the needs of older adults who want to age in place but lack the resources to stay in their homes. To address this, Tucson created a formalized home sharing program through a new organization, Tucson Home Sharing Inc. The organization has hired staff, formed relationships with county leaders, conducted public meetings, created promotional materials and built an online presence -- all with the goal of connecting older adults with younger roommates. The housemates can help with meal preparation, shopping, transportation, small home repair tasks and pet care. In exchange, they receive decreased or no rent. Organizers hope this decreases social isolation and increases the supply of the affordable housing within the community, enabling older adults to remain in their neighborhoods.
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See More Projects Like This One
Bowdoinham, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: Facing a shortage of accessible housing, the town created a plain-language guide to promote Universal Design-an approach that makes homes safer and easier for all ages. The 12-page brochure explains practical ideas for remodeling and new construction, from lever-style door handles to first-floor accessible baths. Older residents shared stories and feedback during development, ensuring relevance. Distributed at community events and local businesses, the guide is shaping housing conversations and influencing future plans. One resident noted it offers "simple and often inexpensive ways" to make homes welcoming for everyone.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Knoxville, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: Family Promise of Knoxville's transitional housing program gives unhoused families a place to live while they get back on their feet. Many residents use the organization's Day Center to gather, access the internet, read and work on homework. But the communal space was dimly lit, which caused many residents to feel unsafe. To make the space more welcoming, organizers installed new light fixtures, as well as energy-efficient ceiling fans. They also installed doors to separate offices, a work room, computer lab and storage spaces. Organizers say they wanted to be sensitive to the trauma many families have experienced and hope the upgraded space gives residents dignity during their shelter stay.
North Conway, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: The Gibson Center and its partners hosted a Safe and Smart Home Expo to help older adults explore practical ways to age in place. The event featured the "Smart Home on Wheels" as well as demonstrations of adaptive devices, safety checklists and universal design concepts. Hundreds of visitors learned about affordable technology, with one exhibitor noting, "Visitors were excited to hear how affordable and easy to use smart plugs are." The expo sparked ongoing conversations about livable housing and inspired plans for future demonstrations.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Tucson, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: A middle housing design competition will expand the city library of housing plans. The effort will increase access to smaller, age-friendly housing options.
Tucson, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Older adults with disabilities in Southern Arizona faced barriers to exercise and recreation, limiting opportunities for health and social connection. To address this, the organization launched the Eduardo Aguirre Adaptive Cycling Center, installing storage containers and creating a wheelchair-accessible site with a fleet of adaptive bikes. More than 300 people, including 200 age 50-plus, have used the center for rides and training. Participants report renewed confidence and joy. One woman, age 72, said she now feels supported and can ride with friends again.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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