Juncos, PR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills

Description: When hurricanes or earthquakes hit, residents lacked reliable water, power and communication-leaving older adults especially vulnerable. The group installed cisterns for water storage, solar-powered emergency communications and lighting and trained residents in disaster response, food preservation and gardening. Volunteers age 50-plus helped with installations and simulations. Now, the community has a safer, more sustainable hub for emergencies. "Everyone is amazed how with minimal space they can grow food and reduce costs," said one participant, reflecting new skills and confidence for the future.

Guaynabo, PR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: To make walking in Guaynabo safer, this project set up to add crosswalks to several intersections along San Patricio Avenue.