It has been a tough week for Texas, with a lethal combination of tornadoes, wildfires and even snow. At week s end, 16 counties have been declared disaster areas by Gov. Greg Abbott. .
Neighborhoods are known to be more livable when housing, transportation and public spaces harmonize with the community, and Houston s most diverse neighborhood is moving in that direction. The group Connect Community received grant money from AARP Texas last year to add shade structures, seating, trees and a mural along streets in Houston s Gulfton area, considered the most diverse neighborhood in one of the country s most diverse cities. Anne Whitlock, Connect Community s founding director, said quick-action projects are being implemented that emphasize needs of the 50-plus population. .
Beginning this month, a leadership program in Rural North Carolina is helping local organizations implement trauma-informed practices. Organizers of the Resilient Leaders Initiative explained their goal is to help residents tackle the root cause of harm and promote healing. According to the Center for Healthcare Strategies, a trauma-informed approach includes understanding how traumatic experiences such as abuse and neglect, displacement from natural disasters, and community violence affects physical and mental health. .
Iowa is poised to receive $5 billion from the new federal infrastructure law. And separate grant opportunities are available to help spur smaller, community improvement projects as bigger ones take shape. AARP is accepting applications for its annual Community Challenge grant program. .