Throughout November and October, Hope through Housing treated National CORE’s senior residents to warm, comforting meals and engaged them in recreational activities as part of Connections to Care, an initiative that focuses on senior health and wellness.
On Nov. 21, Hope through Housing hosted a gathering for seniors at Valley Senior Village, a newly opened National CORE community in Escondido and the city’s only community with permanent supportive housing for seniors who have experienced homelessness.
Residents feasted on roasted turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, rolls and pumpkin pie.
“I feel welcomed here,” Valley Senior Village Resident Russ, 67, said. “The staff is so accommodating and being able to talk to other residents is always a fun time – and the free meals don’t hurt either!”
The programs are designed to support seniors who may face food insecurity and other challenges that could reduce their quality of life. Hope through Housing works to provide connections to food sufficiency program, rental assistance and support and linking seniors to vital health resources.
Part of the effort is also designed to combat feelings of isolation, which can escalate during the holidays. Nearly a fourth of adults ages 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated – leading to serious medical issues, according to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.