AARP Boosts Michigan Communities with $73,000 in Grants for Livable Initiatives
Michigan – AARP has announced its largest-ever Community Challenge grant, with $73,000 allocated to six projects across Michigan aimed at enhancing community livability for residents aged 50 and older. This funding is part of a nationwide initiative, distributing over $4 million to nearly 400 projects aimed at fostering quick, impactful change in various communities.
Ramon Harris, associate state director of community outreach for AARP Michigan, emphasized the significance of these grants, stating, "These are small grants with big impacts." The funds will support improvements in public spaces, transportation, housing, and digital access. Among the projects funded in Michigan are the installation of safer crosswalks in Dearborn, added benches in Holland, and housing upgrades in Marlette. The grant also facilitates expanding digital access in Detroit and home safety checks in Macomb County.
For the first time, nearly half of the funding is directed towards rural areas, marking AARP’s biggest investment in these communities. The initiative has gained momentum with corporate partners like Toyota and Microsoft leading efforts to create safer streets and improve broadband connectivity.
As Michigan’s population increasingly ages—one in three residents is over 50—Harris pointed out the importance of enabling people to remain in their homes and communities as they age.
In a related context, a new report ranks Michigan as one of the top states for aging in place, alongside Colorado. With a growing number of Americans reaching retirement age, AARP highlights the need for accessible, supportive communities where older adults can thrive.
By promoting livable environments and aiding local initiatives, AARP is setting the groundwork for a future where older individuals can age gracefully and securely in their own communities.
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