AARP Investing $97,500 in Ohio as Part of Nationwide Grant Program

12 communities are getting a boost 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 Ohio is proud to have 12 projects granted 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 Ohio, these exciting projects were funded:

• Bridges Community Action Partnership
  This project will expand free transportation service for older residents in Marysville to twice weekly. The "Mary-Go-Round" shuttle connects housing complexes with stores, enabling riders to run errands and socialize.
  
• City of Cleveland Heights
  The city will hold a design competition to highlight the benefits of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), particularly for older adults. Residents will be able to access plans for the winning designs for free, making constructing an ADU in the community easier.
  
• Colerain Township Fire and Emergency Medical Services
  The fire department will conduct home assessments in Colerain Township of Hamilton County, to identify issues that put older adults at risk of falls. They will also distribute home safety products, such as grab bars.
  
• Community Partnership on Aging
  Community Partnership on Aging will increase awareness of the importance of preventing falls, and to minimize fall-related injuries and fall-related costs through community education events throughout its six-city service area of Highland Heights, Lyndhurst, Mayfield Heights, Mayfield Village, Richmond Heights and South Euclid.
  
• Fairfield County Health Department
  Two bike audits will identify needed improvements along a path linking a high school and a community park in Fairfield County. The county will share the results with city officials to guide future planning.
  
• Franklin County Public Health
  This project will supply emergency preparedness kits for older residents to use in evacuations, such as during tornados and flooding. Participants will also learn how to create a disaster plan and checklists and how to evacuate pets and service animals.
  
• Go Ottawa
  Working with the Putnam County Health Department, the Council on Aging and the Medical Reserve Corp., Go Ottawa will conduct bike audits from July to September along paths as future trails and along common bike commuter routes. Results will then be used to help inform the design and construction of Ottawa's first bike trail.
  
• Habitat for Humanity of Summit County
  The project will support construction of a 16-unit affordable housing development in Akron. The homes will incorporate accessibility features for older adults.
  
• Heart of Ohio Family Health
  The organization will conduct walk audits along a busy street fronting a large health center in Whitehall. The audit routes will pass by nearby housing for older adults, a city park and schools.
  
• LifeCare Alliance
  LifeCare Alliance Arthritis Services will help up to 60 clients in Columbus modify their homes and make them more livable by purchasing and installing Durable Medical Equipment, such as tub-mount grab bars, shower seats and toilet safety frames.
  
• The Conscious Connect
  This project will transform four vacant lots in Dayton into a recreational space for older adults. Amenities will include a walking path, tables, benches and a shelter house.
  
• Village of Shreve
  This project will provide walk audits near two parks, the library and Shreve’s downtown. The village will recruit older adults to participate and provide feedback on how to improve pedestrian safety and mobility.

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 in Ohio and across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view the AARP Livable Communities Map—a free, interactive tool with information on more than 1,700 AARP Community Challenge grantees and 800 members in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.