Three Idaho Communities Awarded Grants

AARP has announced the recipients of the 2018 AARP Community Challenge grant program, including three projects in Idaho.

A total of $1.3 million will be distributed to fund 129 “quick action” projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jump-start long-term progress to support residents of all ages. Nearly 1,600 applications were received from non-profits and government entities for the program, now in its second year.

Each of the projects, which must be completed by November 5, is designed to achieve on one or more of the following outcomes:

• Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, and/or access to public and private transit.
• Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.
• Support the availability of a range of housing that increases accessible and affordable housing options.
• Address other issues of importance for communities.

Idaho grantees include:

• Caldwell: Destination Caldwell

$3,500 - This grant will improve downtown Caldwell by installing oversized games (like Jenga, cornhole and chess) and mosaic tables and benches in a local plaza to encourage social engagement and activity.

• Kamiah: Carrot Ridge Volunteer Fire District

$5,000 - This grant will activate a new community gathering building for all area residents, especially older adults, facilitating socialization in a community that lacked such facilities.

• Pocatello: NeighborWorks Pocatello

$4,250 - This grant will provide for a mobile "Block Party Trailer" to be utilized throughout Pocatello to activate current public spaces and create new spaces through social gatherings.

“Idaho has wonderful communities full of great people and ideas. We’re proud to help get these projects off the ground,” said Lupe Wissel, state director for AARP Idaho. “Idahoans are taking the lead through innovation and action to make their communities better for people of all ages.”

The full list of grantees can be found at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge.

“AARP has teams on the ground in communities across the country hearing from mayors, community leaders and local residents about the value of getting quick wins to create long-term change. We developed the Community Challenge Grant Program to answer that call and help build momentum for more livable communities nationwide,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President, Community, State and National Affairs. “This year, we are proud to fund more projects in more communities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.”

The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. AARP staff and volunteers are working with roughly 300 communities across the country, engaging and mobilizing community residents, delivering technical assistance and expertise to local leaders and organizations, and supporting the work of the 275 communities and two states that have enrolled in the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities.  AARP also provides resources and publications to encourage local action such as the Roadmap to Livability and the AARP book-series Where We Live: Communities for All Ages. The city of Kuna is featured in the latest edition on page 108.

To learn more about AARP’s livable communities work in communities across the country and the AARP Community Challenge please visit www.aarp.org/livable.