New Jersey faces a housing crisis.
Not only are we among the 10 most expensive states for housing, most homes are 50+ years old, 2-stories in height, and both inaccessible and unaffordable for older residents. NJAAW’s 2024 Statewide Survey of Older Adults revealed that many older adults want to stay in their communities but face challenges with their current homes and lacked options to downsize.
To highlight the housing challenges facing older residents AND help identify solutions, NJAAW has received an AARP Community Challenge Grant to hold a design competition across 3 categories:
1 – Accessory Dwelling Units
2 – Detached single family
3 – Multi-family housing (2+ units).
We are seeking submissions from architects, developers, and architectural students for innovative solutions. Submissions will be judged by a volunteer panel of housing experts based in New Jersey, who know the challenges and needs facing older adults.
Prizes of up to $1500 will be awarded to winning submissions, along with introductions to planners and developers who can turn the plans into action.
Please see our webpage with details, criteria, resources and links to the submission form here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/TIz5cIH/Design
The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2025