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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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South Euclid, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults, yet many lacked practical strategies to prevent them. The organization hosted educational sessions and distributed safety kits with items like nonslip strips, LED lights and gripper socks, along with the HomeFit Guide. Social activities such as fall prevention bingo reinforced learning and encouraged engagement. Participants reported feeling more confident and appreciated tools that made daily tasks easier. "I'll feel safer in the shower once I use these nonslip strips," said one attendee, reflecting the project's tangible impact on home safety.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Tucson, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona addressed gaps in home safety knowledge for older adults who want to age in place but lack clear guidance. Through its ELDER Alliance Livable Communities Action Team, the group hosted a community education event focused on the HomeFit Guide, linking residents to usable information about safer home features and local resources. Participants received adaptive items that support daily safety, including lighting, and learned how small changes can reduce risks at home. The work built on an existing age-friendly housing vision and strengthened collaboration with local leaders and partners. New presentation materials are now ready for repeat use in community spaces, supporting continued education and informing housing discussions.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Rocky Mount, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County addressed safety hazards that made daily tasks hard for older adults and put independence at risk. The team integrated HomeFit and safety assessments into every repair visit, adding practical upgrades like low-entry showers with grab bars and flooring fixes for three families that included five people age 50-plus. A construction manager now conducts an accessibility review on each project, and outreach boosted applications, revealing wider need. The new process is standard practice and strengthens evidence for funders. One resident said showering is "very easy" now and praised the crew for a "wonderful job."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
West Allis, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: A safer ADA-accessible pedestrian crossing with rapid-flashing beacons, marked crosswalks and boarding pads will be created near a community for older adults. The improvements will enhance transit access, mobility and walkability.
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.
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