Part of Record-Breaking Nationwide Program
Contributed by Michelle Harmeling, United Way of Mat-Su
AARP recently announced three Matanuska-Susitna Valley winners of 2020 Community Challenge grants. In the largest grant release to date, more than $2.4 million was awarded to 184 organizations nationwide. Grant recipients, including the United Way of Mat-Su, the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Cooperative Extension Service and the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, will implement “quick-action” projects to create more livable communities across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The funded Mat-Su projects are:
· United Way of Mat-Su will work with older residents and local artists to design and create an art and cultural trail reflective of the community's history.
· University of Alaska Fairbanks, Cooperative Extension will create a new area to grow fresh foods and demonstrate how to build a space that is inclusive of people of ages and abilities.
· Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation will provide new, stocked lifejacket loaner boards at public-use ADA and accessible facilities to increase access to the outdoors and water recreation.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Alaska’s grantees as they work to make immediate improvements in their communities, encourage promising ideas and jumpstart long-term change,” said Teresa Holt, AARP Alaska State Director.
“Our goal at AARP Alaska is to support the efforts of our communities to be great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. The coronavirus pandemic has only underscored the importance of this work.”
All projects are designed to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:
· Create vibrant public places by improving open spaces and parks and activating main streets.
· Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options by increasing connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, and access a wider range of transportation choices.
· Encourage the availability of a range of housing by increasing accessible and affordable housing solutions.
· Increase civic engagement and demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities” by bringing together local leaders and residents from all backgrounds to address challenges.
· Support coronavirus response and recovery efforts by ensuring older adults’ access to information, essential services, and civic life.
The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge and view an interactive map of all of the Community Challenge projects and AARP Alaska’s livable communities work at www.aarp.org/livable.
About AARP:
AARP is the nation’s largest non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.