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Wise County Meals on Wheels (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Walk Audits
└ Walk Audits
Older adults in a rural Texas community faced safety concerns near a busy adult center that serves hundreds weekly. To address immediate needs, the organization removed 12 older adults from its Meals on Wheels waiting list, ensuring they received regular meals and support. This step strengthened connections and reinforced long-term trust. One project leader noted the importance of this project for ensuring that essential services to those in need, particularly those who were underserved, are sustained.
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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Phoenix, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: A key Phoenix corridor lacked safe, walkable conditions, creating hazards for older adults who rely on it as a primary route. To address this, TigerMountain Foundation led a walk audit that identified broken sidewalks and poor crossings, engaged volunteers and added several hazards to the city's official repair list. The project educated residents on how to report issues and spurred interest among officials to prioritize fixes. TMF used the city's 311 system to escalate forgotten repairs, ensuring improvements move forward.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Missoula, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Missoula's farmers markets are vital for older adults using SNAP. Yet uneven brick streets, steep ramps and missing sidewalks make access difficult. To address this, the Coalition led walk audits at three markets, covering 2.1 miles and 23 intersections with more than 40 volunteers, including older adults. Audits revealed hazards like debris and poor crossings and tested a mock Neighborway with painted paths and planters to show safer routes. Findings prompted city leaders to integrate accessibility audits into future planning and advanced momentum for permanent improvements. Participants spoke highly of the Neighborway and felt safer having a dedicated space for non-motorized traffic.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Cairo, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: In rural southern Illinois, older adults faced unsafe walking conditions with missing sidewalks and overgrown paths, forcing them into streets to reach parks and stores. CHESI organized walk audits across three towns, engaging 37 residents, including many age 50-plus, to review 100 blocks and document hazards. Participants met with local leaders to push for improvements and raised awareness of pedestrian safety. The effort sparked advocacy campaigns and scheduled meetings with mayors. This laid the groundwork for safer sidewalks and crosswalks and inspired future livable community projects.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Fort Worth, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance repair and services
Description: This project will provide critical home repairs and accessibility upgrades for older adults. By installing ramps, handrails, and safety features, the project helps older adults age in place safely and independently.
Lewisville, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Rapid growth and rising housing costs left older adults struggling to age in place, even after zoning changes allowed accessory dwelling units (ADUs). To raise awareness, the city launched a Backyard Cottage Design Competition, engaging more than 18,000 residents through events and multilingual outreach. Older adults volunteered at parades and judging sessions, while the contest drew 67 design submissions and awarded prizes across multiple categories. The effort sparked interest in ADUs, led to a Permit Ready Plans portal for pre-approved designs and strengthened community engagement for future housing solutions.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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