AARP Investing $136,000 in Fifteen Maine Communities Through Expanded Nationwide Grant Program

Here in Maine AARP is thrilled to support fifteen projects that are helping to create great places for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. As local leaders work to create more livable communities, these grants provide essential support – especially in areas where small, flexible investments can lead to big change.

The 2026 grantees in Maine include:

• Age-Friendly South Portland: The outreach will share energy guides and weatherization kits at community spaces across South Portland. Residents will learn simple home improvements that lower energy use, improve comfort and support aging in place.
• Age-Friendly Surry Neighbors Helping Neighbors: The project will rebuild a neglected woodland trail by widening paths, adding gravel surfacing and installing benches. A smoother, more stable route will let residents walk, rest and enjoy outdoor recreation at their own pace.
• Berwick for a Lifetime: This project will complete an accessible boardwalk, add benches and tables and install a small storage shed. The result will be a continuous, safe path where older adults and those with mobility issues can rest and enjoy nature.
• Center for the Advancement of Rural Living Community Navigator Program: Bilingual home safety trainings will be offered during Acadian cultural events across Northern Aroostook County. Participants will receive safety devices and optional home assessments to support safer living.
• City of Hallowell: The city will install flashing stop signs at key intersections and rotate portable speed feedback signs at village entrances. These measures will slow traffic and make crossings safer downtown and in surrounding residential areas.
• Discover Downtown Westbrook: Movable seating, outdoor games and small upgrades will be added to underused public spaces downtown. These changes will support longer visits, social gatherings and everyday use while connecting people to nearby shops and events.
• Freeport Community Services: Town‑wide mailers and education sessions will introduce Neighborhood Resiliency Hubs. The effort will strengthen neighbor support systems during weather emergencies.
• Healthy Island Project: Two public entrance doors will be replaced with ADA compliant automated doors at a local community building. Easier access will help people safely attend and enjoy events and participate in food distribution activities.
• Healthy Peninsula: The project will add equipment to support outdoor setup for a volunteer-led community cafe. Improved access will make hosting gatherings easier and help sustain social connections across seasons.
• Living Well in Madison: A home safety class will teach residents how to make low‑cost accessibility improvements. Hands‑on guidance and free materials will help older adults reduce their risk of falls at home.
• Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization: Temporary traffic calming tools like paint, delineator posts and planters will be installed along a busy corridor. Slower speeds and clearer crossings will improve walking comfort and safety for daily trips and neighborhood access.
• Saco Fire Department: The fire department will place secure emergency key boxes at selected homes, focusing on older residents and people with special needs. Faster access will help crews respond quickly, reduce damage and support basic home safety outreach.
• Scarborough Public Library: The library will add private pods, assistive listening tools, e-readers and hands-on technology programs for adults over 50. These updates will support telehealth visits, digital learning and easier access to library services.
• Sunrise Trail Coalition: A picnic and camping area will be built along the regional trail with shelters, seating and wayfinding. The site will offer access to nature and clearer connections between downtown and the trail.
• Town of Bowdoinham: Home assessments will help residents identify safety concerns using a structured interview and checklist. Simple repairs and referrals will support safer living at home.

The AARP Community Challenge is part of AARP’s broader Livable Communities initiative, which supports neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties in becoming great places for all residents. A livable community is one where people of all ages can thrive, with:

• Safe, walkable streets
• Affordable and accessible housing and transportation
• Access to essential services
• Opportunities for people of all ages to engage in community life

To learn more about the AARP Community Challenge – here in Maine and nationwide – visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also explore the AARP Livable Communities Map, an interactive tool featuring AARP Community Challenge grantees and members of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.

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