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AARP Awards $246,106 for Community Projects to Improve Life for Older Texans
Grants support quick-action projects to improve mobility, housing, connectivity, and disaster readiness for Texans of all ages—especially older adults.
AARP
AARP has announced that 21 organizations across Texas will receive 2026 Community Challenge grants. Marking the program’s 10th anniversary, the grants are part of an $8.3 million national investment, doubling last year’s total, to fund 750 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults.
With communities facing growing challenges related to extreme weather, housing affordability, and connectivity, these locally driven projects will deliver immediate, practical improvements across the state. The funding will support enhancements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, disaster preparedness, and other priorities that strengthen neighborhoods and social connections in communities of all sizes.
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“Communities across Texas are eager for solutions that boost mobility, connection, and quality of life,” said Texas State Director Lisa A. Rodriguez. “Thanks to Community Challenge grants, we’re empowering residents to implement impactful improvements that make a measurable difference. We look forward to seeing the results of these quick-action projects later this year.”
Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded more than $951,000 through 80 grants to Texas nonprofit organizations and local government entities. Projects are being funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Project Awards:
Austin, TX – Foundation Communities
Solar-powered backup generators and medication refrigerators will be installed at low-income housing sites, helping residents who rely on medical devices remain safe during power outages.
Alpine, TX – Alpine Community Projects
A design competition will create pre-approved universal design ADU models for backyard housing, helping families support independent living and expand flexible housing options.
Ballinger, TX – City of Ballinger
Temporary crosswalks, curb extensions, ramp upgrades, and traffic-calming signs will be added near a future park site to improve pedestrian safety and test designs before permanent street changes are implemented.
Dale, TX – Dale Community Center
Two bilingual disaster preparedness trainings will help residents prepare for severe storms. Participants will receive go-bag items and support enrolling in emergency alerts. The center will also install free public Wi-Fi and offer bilingual internet safety classes to help residents stay connected and safe online.
Dallas, TX – Better Block
Temporary crossings, curb extensions, and traffic-calming elements will be installed to make it safer to walk to bus stops and parks, while informing future permanent street improvements.
Dallas, TX – Building Community Workshop
An underused playground will receive improved access, new ground cover, shaded seating, and an accessible ramp to create a more welcoming and shared community space.
Dallas, TX – Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity
Older homeowners will receive free critical home repairs and accessibility upgrades addressing key safety issues, helping residents remain safely in their homes.
Dallas, TX – Midtown Dallas Inc.
Benches and shade structures will be added along a local trail to improve comfort, access, and usability for older adults and people with disabilities.
El Paso, TX – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso
A bilingual Digital Health Academy will train adults age 50-plus, including veterans, on telehealth, online safety, and health apps. Participants will receive tablets and ongoing support.
Houston, TX – East Harris County Empowerment Council
Home safety workshops and small modifications will help reduce fall risks and support aging in place for residents age 50-plus.
Houston, TX – Housing Alliance Houston
Vacant land will be transformed into an art-filled green space with benches and a mobility walkway to encourage movement and social connection.
Houston, TX – Hiram Clarke / Fort Bend Redevelopment Authority
Walk audits will assess crosswalk safety along the U.S. 90A corridor and inform future pedestrian improvements near transit and cultural destinations.
Houston, TX – Third Ward Real Estate Council
Walk audits will gather resident input to guide lighting improvements and rest stop placement along a key corridor connecting older adults to community services.
Kemah, TX – City of Kemah
Walk audits will evaluate pedestrian access to waterfront and boardwalk areas, informing future improvements and capital improvements. Bike audits will assess park-to-park routes along the SH-146 corridor to identify safety gaps and opportunities.
Lake Dallas, TX – Lake Dallas Public Library
Disaster preparedness trainings and bilingual resources will support emergency readiness, with an online hub to expand access.
Lago Vista, TX – City of Lago Vista
Workshops will help residents age 50 and older prepare for floods, heat, and road closures, strengthening safety and community connections.
San Antonio, TX – City of San Antonio Transportation Department
Bike audits and surveys will assess connections between community centers, parks and trails and guide future safety improvements.
San Antonio, TX – San Antonio Street Art Initiative
Public art installations in a historic neighborhood will enhance walkability, improve visibility, and create safer, more welcoming streets while supporting local businesses.
San Antonio, TX – Hemisfair Conservancy
Lighting improvements along Tower Park walkways will enhance visibility and safety for evening use.
San Antonio, TX – Gardopia Gardens
A senior center garden will be upgraded with accessible raised beds, improved irrigation, and shaded spaces, supporting programming and regular community use.
Wichita Falls, TX – Wichita County Public Health District
Bike audits will identify safety and access improvements to support more comfortable and accessible riding.
These projects reflect the diversity of Texas communities, from rural towns to major metro areas, and demonstrate the statewide impact of AARP’s investment.
Learn more about AARP’s Community Challenge at aarp.org/communitychallenge.
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