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West Allis Fire Department (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, yet many homes lack basic safety features. To reduce risks, firefighters installed grab bars, raised toilet seats, shower chairs and bed transfer rails during home visits, along with walkers for those with mobility challenges. These changes helped older adults navigate their homes safely and maintain independence. One widow said the modifications gave her confidence to move without fear, adding, "It feels like someone truly cares about me and my safety."
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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Brookings, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Ruths Eye of the Storm addressed home safety risks faced by older adults, including survivors of domestic abuse, who were struggling to remain safely housed due to small but serious hazards inside their homes. Limited mobility, fear of approaching landlords and lack of awareness about affordable modifications made everyday conditions more dangerous. The project organized educational and demonstration events that connected older adults with simple safety solutions and trusted community partners. Participants received items such as lighting, nonskid materials and pathway supports, along with follow-up home walkthroughs to identify and address additional risks. In several cases, the work led to direct, individualized interventions that resolved urgent problems, including restoring safe access to water and bathroom facilities. One participant, after critical repairs were completed, described the impact plainly: "This is what dignity looks like."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Macomb, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: This project will use vetted volunteers to conduct home safety visits for low-income older adults. Volunteers will drive to homes and use checklists of easy fixes to make homes safer.
San Antonio, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Homeowners in San Antonio's repair program often lacked skills to maintain improvements, risking safety and costly fixes. To address this, six workshops trained 128 homeowners age 50-plus on plumbing basics, disaster prep and financial management. Trainers demonstrated safety tools like alarms and fire extinguishers, and participants received items to reinforce lessons. Afterward, all said they'd recommend the training, and the city reported no callbacks from attendees, showing a sign of lasting impact. One participant noted, "I learned about simple plumbing fixes that I can make myself."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Jackson Park Community Association focused on unsafe streets surrounding a major neighborhood park where fast traffic and unclear crossings made walking stressful for residents, including older adults. Through a series of walk audits, residents, volunteers and local officials documented specific hazards and discussed solutions at key intersections. Findings were shared through community meetings and presentations to city leaders, grounding the conversation in lived experience. Volunteer feedback highlighted anxiety at crossings and concerns about speeding vehicles. The work helped inform reconstruction discussions and contributed to funding being allocated for future intersection improvements that support safer park access.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Wisconsin Bike Federation wanted to challenge Milwaukee residents to think differently about their public spaces, especially their streets. To that end, the organization staged a workshop to demonstrate what a safe street looks like and talk with residents about possible improvements in their neighborhood. As part of the event, the Bike Federation conducted a pop-up demonstration showcasing temporary traffic calming interventions outside the United Community Senior Center. Using painted tires and lawn chairs, staff and volunteers created curb extensions, meant to shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians at intersections. They also used chalk paint to add bike sharrows to the street and add color to a crosswalk to make it more visible. Finally, they set up a mini roundabout designed to slow down traffic. The temporary improvements spurred city officials to apply for federal funding to make permanent changes to the street.
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