We've Been Selected as a 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grantee!
Kennedy Heights Development Corporation is thrilled to announce that we have been selected to receive a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant. This year, only 750 grantees were chosen from 5,100 applications from across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With this quick-action grant, we will bring the AARP HomeFit® program to Kennedy Heights, providing free in home safety assessments and free safety modifications to residents age 50 and older so they can stay in the homes they love, more safely and comfortably. This project will advance our efforts to make Kennedy Heights a place where people of all ages can thrive.
The grant was researched, written, and submitted by Abby Burton and Mary Ray of Kennedy Heights Development Corporation. Their work is the reason this funding is now here in our neighborhood, and we are grateful for the time and care they put into it.
"We are incredibly proud that AARP selected Kennedy Heights Development Corporation for this investment to help make Kennedy Heights more livable for residents of all ages," stated Abby Burton, Executive Director of Kennedy Heights Development Corporation. "AARP is a national leader in supporting communities to become more livable, and we are honored they recognize the value and impact this project will bring to our area."
What is HomeFit®?
HomeFit is built around a simple idea. Most of us want to stay in the homes we love for as long as possible, and small changes can make that a whole lot easier and safer. Think better lighting in hallways and stairwells, secured rugs, non-slip stickers for your tubs and showers, flashlights, long handled reachers, and more. Nothing complicated, nothing super expensive, just practical things that take allow seniors to age more safely in their homes.
Who qualifies?
You are eligible if you are:
Age 50 or older
A Kennedy Heights resident
Neighbors helping neighbors
Here is a part we are really proud of. The in home assessments and the modifications themselves will be completed by members of the KHDC board, members of the KHCC board, and volunteers from right here in the community. These are your neighbors. People who live on your street, shop at the same places you do, and show up at the same events. That is what makes this program feel like Kennedy Heights.
Join us at the information session
Come learn how the program works, what modifications are available, and how to sign up! Wednesday, August 19, 2026 6:00 to 8:00 pm Kennedy Heights Arts Center Annex. RSVP using the button below. If you cannot make it to the session but still want a free home assessment and safety modifications, just click the button below, check the box that says you can’t attend but you’re still interested, and we will reach out to get you scheduled.
A quick note on availability
The program and all modifications are free to residents. Spots are limited and filled first come, first served, so we encourage you to sign up early.
About the AARP Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge grant program supports projects that improve public places, housing, transportation, digital connectivity, disaster resilience, and more.
These grants are part of AARP's broader Livable Communities initiative, which helps neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties across the country become great places for people of all ages. AARP believes communities should offer:
Safe, walkable streets
Affordable and accessible housing and transportation options
Access to essential services
Opportunities for residents to engage and participate fully in community life
To explore all 750 projects funded this year, or to view an interactive map of current and past Community Challenge projects, visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge. Learn more about AARP's nationwide Livable Communities work at AARP.org/Livable.
