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 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.

A Successful Launch

We had a successful launch on Wednesday, August 19th, attended by numerous residents of our community who came to learn about the program and signed up to be participants. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our friends at AARP for making this program possible.

How to Sign Up

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How to Sign Up *

HomeFit Home Visit Sign Up

How to Sign Up: There is still time to join! To be a HomeFit participant, you must be age 50 or older and live in Kennedy Heights. If you meet these requirements and would like a member of our HomeFit team to visit your home, call Abby Burton directly at 513-332-7755 or email Abby at kennedyheightsdc1@gmail.com. Participants are served on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

Volunteer with Us

Interested in helping your neighbors stay safe at home? We are looking for community members who would like to be trained to volunteer and help implement this program for Kennedy Heights residents. To learn more, please reach out to Abby Burton, Executive Director of Kennedy Heights Development Corporation, at 513-332-7755 or kennedyheightsdc1@gmail.com.

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.

Please note: Home assessments will begin around September 1, 2026 and continue through December 15, 2026. Because supplies are limited and spots are filled first come, first served, the program may end earlier than December 15 if we run out. We encourage you to sign up as soon as possible.

We've Been Selected as a 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grantee!