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Building Resilience Together: AARP Community Challenge Project Brings Hurricane Preparedness Directly to St. Croix Seniors
Intergenerational initiative will connect older adults, youth volunteers, and community partners to strengthen disaster preparedness across St. Croix.
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Being prepared before a hurricane or other disaster can make all the difference, especially for older adults who may face unique health, mobility, or technology-related challenges during an emergency.
This fall, AARP Virgin Islands is proud to support an innovative community-based preparedness effort led by the Zenaida Cranford Mentor Mentee Mentorship Program (ZCMMMP), an AARP Community Challenge grantee. The Intergenerational Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness Initiative will take place October 24 and 25 on St. Croix, bringing practical resources, education, and hands-on assistance directly to senior housing communities.
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Rather than asking older adults to navigate preparedness resources on their own, the initiative is designed around a simple philosophy: meet people where they are. Participants will receive personalized preparedness guidance, emergency planning support, emergency preparedness buckets, medical preparedness information, and access to a unique USB document drop zone where important records can be securely scanned and saved electronically.
The project also highlights the power of intergenerational engagement. Youth volunteers will serve as greeters, facilitators, activity leaders, and outreach ambassadors, helping bridge generations while learning the value of service and civic responsibility. Interactive activities, including preparedness-themed bingo and trivia-style games, will create opportunities for learning, conversation, and relationship-building between younger and older residents.
Preparedness looks different for everyone. For some, it may mean keeping important medications safe and accessible. For others, it may involve protecting critical documents, maintaining communication devices, or developing a family emergency plan. This initiative recognizes those differences and helps participants create preparedness strategies tailored to their own circumstances.
The program is being implemented in partnership with several organizations dedicated to strengthening community resilience, including the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA), the Virgin Islands Housing Authority, the Virgin Islands Energy Office, The Brotherhood Collective, and other community partners.
Events will be held at the Joseph E. James Terrace senior facility on October 24 and at Wilford Pedro Senior Homes (Whim Gardens) on October 25. Organizers have intentionally designed the initiative to be accessible and welcoming for older adults, including those who may be less comfortable with technology or online registration.
At AARP Virgin Islands, we know that strong communities are built through preparation, partnership, and people helping people. This Community Challenge project demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can improve disaster readiness while creating meaningful connections across generations.
As hurricane season reminds us every year, preparedness is not just about supplies. It's about ensuring that every community member, especially our older adults, has the tools, support, and confidence needed to weather whatever comes next.
Learn more about the AARP Community Challenge and the innovative projects helping communities become more livable, connected, and resilient. https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge
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