Three projects in Massachusetts – Old Colony YMCA, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell – were awarded grants from the national AARP Community Challenge. In its second year, AARP received more than 1,600 applications from nonprofits and government entities from across the country, resulting in a highly competitive selection process.
A total of $1.3 million will be distributed to fund 129 “quick action” projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages. The winners have a project completion deadline of November 5, 2018.
Below is a quick summary of the Massachusetts-based projects and the national list is available here.
- Brockton: Old Colony YMCA
The East Bridgewater community will better connect its residents with local trails by installing wayfinding signage, ADA-compliant benches and accessible pathways along the Hiking Viking Trail.
- Springfield: Pioneer Valley Transit Authority
This grant will pilot bench installations around bus stops that will allow better mobility for seniors and disabled individuals who use public transit. - Westford: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell
This grant will serve older adults by purchasing tools and supplies to deliver critical home repairs to low-income homeowners that will allow them to better age in place.