Seattle, WA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility

Description: Older women experiencing homelessness faced safety risks and mobility barriers when an elevator outage and hazardous flooring limited access to essential services. To address this, EGH installed a stair lift, replaced unsafe flooring and added a security system, creating a safer, more accessible space. The renovated Empowerment Space now hosts health clinics, vaccine events and wellness classes, giving women a secure place to receive care and build community. These upgrades are long-term investments that strengthen emergency preparedness and expand programming for older adults.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Seattle, WA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Homeowner legal and financial documentation

Description: Rising property taxes created growing strain for older adult homeowners who were eligible for relief but often unaware of the program or unsure how to apply. Local Initiatives built a coordinated outreach and assistance system ahead of tax season, embedding screening and application support into existing tax help sites and community centers. Multilingual materials and trained volunteers helped older adults understand eligibility and prepare paperwork. One homeowner expressed relief after learning she was likely eligible and had clear next steps. The project established a screening and referral structure that helps older adults remain in their homes.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.