Affordable Housing For the Carolinas Awarded 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant

Affordable Housing For the Carolinas (AHFTC) is proud to announce that we have been selected as a recipient of the 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant.

This funding will support the expansion of AHFTC's Ounce of Prevention Program, helping older adults remain safe, independent, and confident in the homes they love. Through this grant, AHFTC will provide home safety education, HomeFit-based assessments, home modifications, and minor repairs designed to reduce fall risks and improve accessibility for older adults in Mecklenburg County, Iredell County, and York County, South Carolina.

The need for this work continues to grow. By 2030, one in five Americans will be age 65 or older, representing one of the most significant demographic shifts in our nation's history. As the Baby Boomer generation enters its golden years, communities must prepare now to ensure older adults can age safely and comfortably in place.

For many older adults, aging in place is more than a personal preference. It is often the most practical and financially sustainable housing option available. By making targeted home improvements and addressing safety concerns before they become emergencies, older adults can remain in familiar surroundings, maintain their independence, and avoid the significant costs often associated with relocation or institutional care. Investing in prevention today helps preserve housing stability and quality of life for years to come.

Through this initiative, AHFTC will host community workshops focused on home safety and aging in place, conduct HomeFit assessments, and complete modifications that help older adults navigate their homes more safely. These improvements may include grab bars, handrails, lighting enhancements, trip hazard reduction, accessibility improvements, and other safety measures that support independence and reduce the risk of falls.

"We believe prevention is one of the most powerful investments we can make to help older adults live safely, independently, and with dignity," said Mary Hunter, Executive Director of Affordable Housing For the Carolinas. "Creating safer, more accessible homes today will help ensure our communities are prepared for the future while allowing older adults to remain in the homes and neighborhoods they cherish."

AHFTC extends its sincere gratitude to AARP for investing in age-friendly communities and supporting innovative local solutions that improve the lives of older adults.

Together, we are creating safer homes, stronger communities, and brighter futures.

Because Stability Starts at Home.

Learn More

To learn more about the 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant and AHFTC's Aging in Place Initiative, visit:

https://www.ahftc.org/aarp-community-challenge

To request services, become a community partner, or learn about volunteer opportunities, contact us:

📞 (704) 251-9202

📧 info@ahftc.org

Support Our Work

Every contribution helps us provide home safety assessments, accessibility modifications, home repairs, and educational programs that allow older adults to remain safe and independent at home.

To make a donation, visit:

https://givebutter.com/ahftc

Thank you for helping us build safer homes, stronger communities, and a future where every older adult has the opportunity to age with dignity and independence.