Seniors throughout Portland and the state of Oregon are in more need of community assistance and care than ever before. The American In-Care Association has made it clear that community is essential in alleviating loneliness in the elder members of society. Now that the festive season is approaching, initiatives throughout Portland are aiming to provide valuable assistance, help, and encouragement to seniors in need. Communities are actively banding together to work towards including seniors into their greater social structures. The goal is to ensure that nobody feels isolated and alone this Christmas.
Organizing Festive Gifts and Donations
One initiative is encouraging locals to “be a Santa this Christmas and help a lonely senior”. The Be a Santa to a Senior program has partnered with the Gresham Senior Center in Portland. They aim to provide help and companionship to seniors who are isolated during the festive season. There are many ways that people can join in the initiative. Some of these include choosing a gift tree ornament and purchasing the requested gift, making a financial donation, or shopping online with Amazon.
According to Penn State University, technology can help seniors stay independent and connected. Charitable donations of smartphones, tablets, and other accessible tech gifts through the program can help seniors to stay in touch with their families, friends, and loved ones. At the same time, these devices allow them to maintain a degree of independence that supports their mental health and overall wellness.
Free Air-Conditioning to Beat the Heat
The city of Portland is also doing its part to uplift seniors and communities at large. Fox12 News recently reported that the city plans to put millions of dollars towards air-conditioning units for its most vulnerable residents. City leaders have approved a $11.5 million program to provide low-income seniors and other people in need with free, portable air-conditioning units. Seniors are at particularly high risk for heat exhaustion. The new AC units will ensure that they can enjoy the upcoming summer months safely and comfortably.
Affordable Community Housing
Elsewhere in Portland, the Housing Authority of Clackamas County has announced the launch of development and renovations to a 27,000 square foot building in Gladstone. The single-story building will be transformed into affordable housing for seniors and families. It will feature 48 residential studios and single-room units, and is expected to be completed by mid-2022.
Tenants will be offered stable and affordable rental housing, according to a press release by Pamplin Media. At-risk individuals will be able to access the units through the region’s Coordinated Housing Access waiting list. Priority is granted to seniors over the age of 50 who already reside in Gladstone.
These seniors will also have access to caring communities that will provide them with the additional support and assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
