AARP investing $86,500 in eight Pennsylvania communities as part of nationwide grant program

Communities across Pennsylvania are getting a boost in their work to become more livable for residents of all ages

Each year, AARP works in partnership with local leaders, organizations, and dedicated residents to help make that vision a reality. As part of that effort, AARP is excited to announce the largest investment of grant dollars to date through the AARP Community Challenge grant program. More than $3.8 million in quick-action grants are being distributed to 343 projects across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The AARP Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; and more. In 2024, AARP is bolstering its investment in digital connectivity, community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities. With additional funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more.

AARP Pennsylvania is incredibly proud to have 41 projects granted right here in our state. Our goal is to support their efforts to create great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. As local leaders seek to better their communities for the future, this becomes even more critical.

The program is funding projects across three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants, and demonstration grants. Here in Pennsylvania, these exciting projects were funded:

· Community Design Collaborative of Philadelphia: This project will develop tiny houses and accessory dwelling unit prototypes, with a focus on designs that are cost-efficient, meet regulatory requirements and can be easily reproduced. Community workshops will engage people facing housing instability and older adults hoping to age in place.

· Family Services: This project will combat housing instability by recruiting homeowners willing to share their homes with older adults who wish to age at home. The organization will conduct outreach efforts at community events, senior centers, houses of worship and public agency offices.

· Crispus Attucks York: This project will install outdoor musical instruments in a play zone, creating an accessible space for people of all ages and abilities. The musical instruments will offer a meaningful way for adults to interact with children.

· Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance: This project will create an online database of cultural and social impact programming offered by community-based arts organizations. Philadelphia’s City Council will help inform residents about the database, helping older adults and their families connect to arts opportunities.

· Bayfront East Side Taskforce: This project will offer free home modifications to older adults, including installation of grab bars, handheld shower heads, lighting fixtures and window air conditioners.

· Greater North Penn Area Transportation Management Association: A series of bike audits will identify appropriate locations for new bike lanes, repair stations, bike racks and signage. Audit participants, residents and municipal leaders will meet to discuss the results and recommendations for new bike infrastructure.

· Juneteenth Lehigh Valley: A walk and run audit through downtown Easton will identify a suitable walking and running path for health-conscious older adults who are new to Easton. JLV will distribute online and written surveys and will share the audit’s results with city officials.

· UUH Outreach Program: This project will provide three educational workshops for older adults to help them age in place safely. A support team will include an occupational therapist, a registered nurse and social workers.

The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all residents. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Pennsylvania as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view the AARP Livable Communities Map – a free, interactive tool with information on the more than 1,700 AARP Community Challenge grantees and more than 800 members in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.