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AARP ND award recipient provides medical care to people experiencing homelessness

With a focus on homelessness, Andrus recipient gives back

AARP

Published November 10, 2026

Photo by DN Cinematics

Deb Houdek of Bismarck is the recipient of the 2026 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service – AARP’s most prestigious volunteer award.

Houdek volunteers as the primary medical care provider at Stepping Stone Medical Respite in Bismarck, providing hands-on care to people experiencing homelessness who are discharged from local hospitals but still require acute medical care to safely recover.

“Typically, someone discharged from the hospital has a home to go to. Homeless individuals don’t… so they stay in the hospital longer… or they get discharged onto the street and end up right back in the hospital,” says Stepping Stones founder Sister Idelle Badt, who nominated Houdek.

Houdek volunteered soon after retiring from a 30-year career as a physician’s assistant. “I have no other special hobbies… but I know how to use a stethoscope and I wanted to do something that could help somebody,” Houdek says.

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According to her nomination, Houdek “embodies the idea of purposeful aging. In retirement, she has chosen not to step back from service but to step deeper into it, using her lifetime of professional experience to benefit those most in need.”

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service recognizes outstanding community service and symbolizes the power and ability individuals aged 50 and older have to make a difference in the lives of others. The award is given to just one North Dakotan annually and includes a donation from AARP ND to a charitable organization chosen by the recipient and nominator. Houdek and Sr. Idelle chose Stepping Stone Medical Respite receive their combined $1250 gift.

AARP North Dakota received 10 nominations for the Andrus Award in 2026. The other nominees are:

Marge Conley For 18 years, Marge has created handmade blankets and pillows for hospice patients, bringing comfort and dignity during difficult times.
Darrell Costain provides leadership as a cofounder and board president of Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley helping families in crisis.
Geralyn (Gerri) Fleck volunteers at AARP events and through her church, preparing Thanksgiving baskets, serving meals and supporting special activities.
Barb Handy-Marchello of Bismarck is the statewide coordinator for the AARP ND Speakers Bureau, and a regular volunteer for the North Dakota State Historical Society.
Renda Hanson volunteers with the North Dakota Nurse Honor Guard, honoring nurses at funeral and memorial services, and recruiting and mentoring fellow nurses.
Reinie Kembel readily volunteers whenever needs arise at his church and throughout the community, inspiring others to get involved and serve.
Cheryl Lakoduk has volunteered for 10 years at a free community clothing exchange, sorting donated necessities for neighbors in need.
Francis (Fritz) Schwindt organizes home-repair projects and leads volunteer crews through Rebuilding Together and served as the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide state coordinator for many years.
Nadeane Silbernagel spent a lifetime serving others. She helped establish Safety Village and volunteeredfor more than 25 years at the North Dakota Heritage Center.