Livable Communities

Two AARP Community Challenge grants helped develop a new plaza with a monarch butterfly statue to let community members relax, socialize and hear each other’s stories.

The age-friendly designation comes after the administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) last year launched the Aging Our Way, PA 10-year plan, which focuses on ways to help older Pennsylvanians age in their own homes and communities.

Eight entities received AARP Community Challenge grants in Pennsylvania this year, for a total of $86,500.

As Philadelphia prepares to elect a new mayor, AARP is reaching out to candidates for their views on affordable housing, safe streets and other issues vital to voters 50 and older.

The AARP Community Challenge grant program awarded money to Thomas Jefferson University to build a garden to combat social isolation by turning vacant land into green space for neighbors to gather.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

From rural bike paths to urban gardens, the AARP Community Challenge program is funding quick-action projects this year in five Pennsylvania areas.

Today, AARP Pennsylvania announced five Pennsylvania organizations will receive 2021 Community Challenge grants – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.2 million awarded among 244 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects to promote livable communities by improving housing, transportation, public spaces, civic engagement, and connection with family, friends, and neighbors with an emphasis on the needs of the 50-plus. Many of this year’s awards support revitalizing communities adversely impacted by the pandemic and include a focus on diversity, inclusion, and disparities.

Pennsylvania received five AARP Community Challenge grants this year. The winners:

By Hilary Appelman