Volunteers Address the Needs of Low-Income Seniors

Last week while researching housing issues for seniors for an upcoming press release I was struck by the extraordinary burdens seniors are currently facing in maintaining their homes and livelihood.

Seniors have the highest home-ownership rates of any age group. With rates of nearly 80%, seniors age 65 and over account for about one-quarter of all homeowners. Many seniors associate their homes with their independence, livelihood, or connection to community and define their homes as their single most important asset.

According to the Senior Economic Security Index (SESI), a new research project developed by The Institute on Assets and Social Policy at Brandeis University and Demos, 1 in 3 senior households have no money left after meeting essential expenses.

It is clear that as food prices, healthcare, utilities, and taxes continue to rise many senior homeowners are struggling and are forced to make the unfortunate choice between meeting basic needs and necessary safety home repairs. At present only half of the disabled seniors over age 65 have the home modifications they believe they need. This leaves thousands of seniors without handrails, grab bars, ramps, elevators or stair lifts, and other structural modifications necessary to live safely in their homes.

In looking for light within the gloom of these headlines, I turn to the stories of individuals who have stepped up to be the difference. It is heartening to know there are those among us who recognize a need and are willing to take action. The Santa Cruz County Sentinel, reported in yesterday's paper on a variety of local non-profits tackling issues for seniors. Indeed, we are fortunate to have such a vast array of programs supporting seniors in our community such as Meals on Wheels, Grey Bears, Senior Network Services, and the Transportation Program.

Behind each of these programs is a dedicated cadre of volunteers who believe that their actions can make a difference in the lives of struggling seniors.- Individuals who recognize giving one day of their time and talent might bring hope for a better day to another.

Program Coordinator Carol McGuire of the Volunteer Center program Helping Hands, knows her program simply could not exist without the willingness of volunteers. In the last year the program was able to offer safety related home repairs to 190 low-income senior homeowners because community members, local clubs, and area businesses came forward to donate supplies and over 500 volunteer hours to projects ranging from installing hand-rails or grab-bars, to repairing broken steps. One group in particular, The Santa Cruz Rotary, has been a generous supporter for over 10 years. Each year they donate smoke detectors so that every helping hands home can be outfitted with a functioning detector.

While the headlines may be bleak and so many are struggling, I feel strongly that the enduring spirit of community is alive. Each day with every new volunteer that walks through the door, I am reminded that everywhere there is work being done to create change for the better.