We have been selected as a 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee!
Our Work – Improving Air Quality in Vulnerable Communities
HEAL Utah is thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive a 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant. We are one of only 343 grantees selected (out of 3,300+ applications!) from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This quick-action grant supports HEAL’s goal of building healthy, equitable, and livable communities in Salt Lake City and beyond. We understand that our ability to get from place to place is the foundation for building a thriving community. And as Utah’s population ages, we are presented with new opportunities and challenges to ensure equitable access to green spaces, public and active transportation, and safe, healthy, and livable communities. This project will go a long way to ensure that we address the needs of our 50+ population and ensure their voices and experiences are considered in city and transit planning.
About the AARP Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds innovative, quick-action projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; digital connectivity; community resilience; and more. With additional funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more.
This is all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.
To learn more about the projects being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation, including all 343 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of current and past AARP Community Challenge projects and AARP’s Livable Communities work at aarp.org/livable.
HEAL’s AARP Project
The goal of HEAL Utah’s AARP project is to use capacity-building events and walk audits to better understand and support the needs and desires of our 50+ residents. We will facilitate meaningful community engagement where 50+ residents will have an opportunity to tell us about transportation challenges and opportunities in their communities and have their voices included in planning and land use decisions. HEAL will also use this project to promote public health, clean air, and a safe environment in transit planning, strengthen existing 50+ communities, and preserve and build on the features that make a community distinctive.
Upcoming Opportunities
We’re excited to offer future events and actions where you can join us in creating positive and lasting change in our communities. Stay tuned for opportunities like our Week Without Driving or a Community Walk Audit—participate and you’ll have a chance to win gift cards and cool swag! To stay in the loop, sign up for our email list and follow us on social media. Let’s make a difference together!
To learn more about our participation in the AARP Community Grant Challenge, visit our website at https://www.healutah.org/aarp/. And don’t forget to sign up for email updates on ways to get involved in upcoming events and actions.
Learn More about our work
Discover how HEAL Utah is making a difference and join us in our mission by exploring our work page today!