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Union Miles Development Corporation (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
└ Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
In Cleveland's Union-Miles neighborhood, decades of disinvestment left many older adults in unsafe homes. Union Miles Development Corporation provided free repairs, such as painting, replacing windows and installing grab bars, to help residents age in place. Volunteers assisted with the work, restoring safety and comfort. "Now that the leak has been repaired... my grandchildren will be coming over to stay for Christmas break," said one resident, showing how the project renewed security and family connection.
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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Buffalo, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: To help low-income families rehabilitate their homes, Habitat for Humanity Buffalo held a series of construction skills trainings. Designed to reach people without a background in construction, the workshops focused on plumbing and electrical work. Project organizers say these education efforts ensure individuals are empowered to undertake critical home repairs. Additionally, the nonprofit wanted to help its volunteers understand the communities they serve. To do this, the organization hosted training sessions on topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Organizers report the sessions informed Home Team volunteers about the history of low-income communities and reinforced the importance of Habitat's mission to construct affordable housing.
Alton, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Extreme summer heat in Alton puts older adults at risk of illness, with many unable to afford cooling. Project Cooldown installed 30 window AC units and repaired two HVAC systems for residents. Outreach through flyers and partnerships connected volunteers and contractors to the effort. The initiative also uncovered broader housing repair needs and strengthened local networks for future projects. One recipient shared how very thankful she was, and had confidence that she would survive the summer because she could now stay cool.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Flagstaff, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Organizers with Red Feather recognized that Native elders have a strong cultural preference to age in place in their own homes. To help older adults from the Hopi and Navajo tribes, the nonprofit set out to make elders' home safer. Case managers made home visits to conduct aging in place assessments, create a plan to modify homes and educate homeowners about safety. The nonprofit also modified homes, installing a ramp, repairing a roof and providing new kitchen appliances. Organizers say the initiative helped address health disparities -- Native elders have a lower life expectancy and higher rates of disability and chronic health conditions than other populations. Organizers anticipate home modifications will reduce falls, keeping elders out of the hospital.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Cleveland, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Older residents in Cleveland's Union-Miles neighborhood faced unsafe homes and mounting code violations they could not afford to fix. The program delivered free repairs, from electrical and plumbing fixes to stair and drywall work, plus safety upgrades like handrails and grab bars. Volunteers supported outreach and repairs, helping older adults remain safely in their homes. These improvements not only prevented costly violations but also preserved housing assets for future generations and strengthened neighborhood stability.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Cleveland, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority saw an opportunity to revitalize an abandoned volleyball court behind one of their public housing buildings, creating a space to bring residents together and address social isolation. Using input from the residents of Riverview Tower, an apartment building for low-income older adults, they created a garden where residents can grow their own fruits and vegetables. The garden has places to sit and features accessibility features for residents with mobility challenges. Additionally, the space includes sensory areas, which allow visitors to smell, touch and taste herbs, fruits and berries.
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