Suffolk County, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions

Description: Suffolk County's housing costs leave many older adults with few options to age in place. To spark solutions, the county launched the Home to Opportunity ADU Design Contest, inviting residents to submit accessible accessory dwelling unit concepts. Winning designs were showcased with 3D models, and a published report now guides future ADU development. The project also funded research mapping senior housing zoning patterns, informing policy discussions on expanding housing options. Local media coverage amplified the effort, showing how ADUs can support independence and affordability for older residents.

Stratford, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Trails

Description: Stratford Walks addressed high rates of chronic illness among older adults and limited safe walking options. The town redesigned maps, printed 500 booklets and installed benches to make routes more inviting. A kickoff event and volunteer-led outreach doubled weekly walking club attendance and engaged residents who had been inactive. The program sparked new initiatives like branded signage and integration into a future trails master plan. One caregiver shared that he now realizes how much his patient could enjoy participation in club activities, a reminder of how movement and connection transform daily life.