AARP awards community grants to 3 Mississippi organizations as part of another record-breaking year for nationwide program

Communities across Mississippi are all working to become more livable for residents of all ages.

And, AARP is working across Mississippi in partnership with local leaders, organization and dedicated residents to help make that vision a reality. As part of that effort, AARP is excited to announce the largest number of projects to-date through the Community Challenge program. These quick-action grants are being distributed to 244 organizations across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as transportation, public spaces, housing, diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, coronavirus response and more.

AARP Mississippi is incredibly proud to have 3 grantees right here in our state. Our goal is to support their efforts to create great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities and as local leaders seek to better their communities for the future, this is even more critical.

Here in Mississippi, these exciting and diverse projects were funded:

Hattiesburg Landmark Preservation, Inc.

This project aims to make culturally enriching improvements to Duncan Lake Park in Downtown Hattiesburg. It will include painting a mural on the recreation building, restoring seating and providing free arts programming to people of all ages. 

Jackson Heart Foundation

This project includes designing, developing and implementing an accessible way-finding system for Jackson’s new multi-use trail corridor. It will provide residents with guidance and information to encourage safe walking and bike trips throughout the community.

OSPREYS- Ocean Springs Pedestrians and Residents for Exercise and Youth Safety

This project will transform one of Ocean Springs’ busiest avenues with on-street murals intended to slow traffic and empower safe pedestrian access and will also complete a pocket park that activates an underused parking lot for COVID-safe community activity.

The Community Challenge 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 Mississippi as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all of the Community Challenge projects and AARP Mississippi’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.