Helping Hoosiers Get Housing That Fits Needs for a Lifetime

Louise Dixon didn’t think she would find housing that allowed her to care for her brother who has mobility needs and requires bed rest. Thanks to AARP Indiana and Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, and a bit of her own sweat equity, they have a fully accessible home where they can live safely for years to come.

Most Hoosiers want to remain in their homes as they age, but there’s a lack of affordable and safe options in many cities, including Evansville. That’s why AARP Indiana partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Evansville on the home for Louise and Jack, and why AARP Indiana is working with local leaders and partners to raise awareness about the importance of older Hoosiers staying in their homes. And to make it easier.

They’re promoting free resources like the AARP Homefit® Guide, which can help people modify their homes with simple and low-cost changes like nonskid strips in the shower and automatic night-lights for hallway/bathroom outlets and near stairs.

AARP Indiana also is promoting property tax relief options for homeowners, working to make streets safer, and seeking ways to make Evansville – and Indiana - an even better place to live. They’re always looking for folks to join the fight and serve the community, so get involved today!

The Evansville Habitat house includes supportive features such as a grab bar in the shower, a wide doorless, no-step entry into the shower, and a shower seat.

During the Habitat for Humanity new construction project, a concrete wheelchair-accessible ramp was installed to provide a zero-threshold entrance into the home. AARP Indiana also partnered with Community One in Evansville to build an accessibility ramp onto a home. Access ramps can be permanently or temporarily added to a home or building that doesn’t have a zero-step entry.

Whether it’s the HomeFit Guide or various presentations and resources, AARP Indiana is helping individuals and families make their current or future residence (or that of a loved one) their “lifelong home.”

Ensuring Hoosiers have housing that is accessible and safe is a critical component to making our communities across the state more livable. Whether it is the development of a newly constructed home or preserving the livability of an existing home, AARP Indiana is dedicated to supporting continued investment in housing stock that reflects the needs and desires of Hoosiers as they age.

Request a HomeFit presentation for your group.

A 2024 AARP Vital Voices Survey found that 87 percent of Hoosiers 50-plus prefer staying in their own home as they get older and that 84 percent prefer getting to places they need to go (visiting family, the doctor, the grocery store, etc.) independently.

AARP Indiana is a champion for the City of Evansville’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and finding ways to strengthen it. The Trust Fund is used to provide low-cost loans and grants to qualifying residents and organizations to rehabilitate and preserve the city’s housing stock. In 2024, AARP Indiana advocated in support of Mayor Stephanie Terry’s budget proposal which included a historic $1 million appropriation for the Trust Fund.

“Evansville is making great strides in housing affordability and accessibility,” Director of Community Engagement Addison Pollock said. “Our team will be there advocating for these positive policy changes every step of the way.”

More information from AARP Indiana:
Affordable Housing Trust Fund Presentation