See More Projects Like This One

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.

Cleveland, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: 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.

Decatur, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: Small home repairs, such as handrails, step repairs and lighting improvements, will be completed for older homeowners. These targeted updates will lower fall risks and support safer, more comfortable living at home.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Lakeland, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Trails

Description: Lakeland's Dixieland neighborhood lacked a safe route for older adults to reach Drane Park and nearby shops. The Hillcrest Street Connection added ADA ramps, striped crosswalks, speed humps and flashing beacons at key intersections. They also installed wayfinding signs linking three major walking and biking routes. These upgrades slowed traffic and improved safety, making it easier for residents to walk and connect with the broader trail network. As one neighborhood leader said, "The two speed bumps and the new crosswalk improvements have made this safer for both motorists and pedestrians."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Lakeland, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Transportation Other

Description: The city will improve pedestrian safety along a busy boulevard by installing crosswalk signage, pavement striping and a speed table. These upgrades will create a safer, more walkable connection between nearby housing and activity centers.

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