2020 Impact Report: Delivering Hope During the Pandemic

2020 was an incredible year of impact for us at Hope through Housing. Our team stepped up in a way that it never had before, providing critical care in real-time to thousands of families and seniors during a very uncertain time. We were on the frontlines from the very beginning, and we continue to be a much-needed support system for our children, families, and seniors. As we begin to move beyond the pandemic, Hope through Housing remains committed to providing the necessary programs and services to help our families and seniors build resilience and renew hope for the future.

We hope you will take a moment to review our 2020 Impact Report. We could not have done it without you!

Providing Onsite Vaccinations at Senior Communities in Southern California

COVID-19 has disproportionately affected older adults. Health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and COPD have put individuals at greater risk for COVID-19 fatality. As soon as the vaccine became available for individuals 65 and older, Hope through Housing’s services coordinators started helping residents register for an appointment.

By the middle of March, Hope through Housing was able to provide onsite vaccination clinics at senior communities throughout Southern California to increase access for our most vulnerable residents. By coordinating with healthcare partners, we have utilized our community rooms and courtyards as vaccination sites where residents can simply walk downstairs to receive their first and second doses.

Our first onsite clinic was held at Oaks on Florence in Los Angeles, where more than 40 residents received the Pfizer vaccine in partnership with Curative Health Services, Inc., and the County of Los Angeles.  Future vaccine sites include senior communities in the Inland Empire, San Diego, and Los Angeles.

Public health data has displayed that the vaccination rate for low-income individuals has significantly lagged behind other populations. Efforts such as delivering vaccinations directly to affordable housing residents are an effective strategy for helping improve vaccination rates among populations that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Building Bright Futures Scholarship Fund Helps Resident Pursue Degree

Marcia, a resident of the affordable housing community of Downey View in the City of Downey, is currently attending the University of California, San Diego majoring in Human Health Psychology. She is hoping to pursue her Ph.D. once she finishes her undergraduate studies. Both of her parents received degrees in Civil Engineering and their inspiring stories of perseverance have encouraged her to pursue her dreams.

Born in Nicaragua, Marcia moved to the United States at the age of five. At first, she did not speak English, but her first-grade teacher helped her to learn and understand the language. With her teacher’s encouragement, Marcia excelled at school and developed a love of learning at a very young age. Today, she is more focused on learning more about mental health, human development, and the impact of both on health, relationships, and other important aspects of an individual’s life. “In the future, I want to be able to help others understand the importance of education, teach them healthier ways to overcome challenges, and provide the support they need to lead a fulfilling life,” said Marcia.

Marcia was one of 15 students to receive a scholarship from the Building Bright Futures Scholarship Program in 2020. “The scholarship relieved a lot of the financial burden and helped me focus more on school, helping me achieve my goals,” said Marcia. She was able to purchase books and other necessities for school not covered by traditional tuition assistance programs. Marcia also is thankful for the beautiful community that has allowed her time to focus on her studies and has provided her with so many opportunities. “Affordable housing has just been a big blessing for me and my family.”

In 2021, Hope through Housing will be awarding $20,000 to recent high school graduates, young adults pursuing a degree, and adults continuing their education. If you would like to participate in this year’s scholarship review process and help select our 2021 recipients, please sign up to volunteer with us. For more information, please contact Alyssa Cotter at acotter@hthf.org.

Hope through Housing Shows Appreciation to Donors

On March 18, Hope through Housing recognized its Circle of Hope Donors with an exclusive video premiere instead of its traditional appreciation event due to restrictions caused by the pandemic. Throughout the video, messages of thanks, hope to see you soon, and we could not have done it without you were expressed by Greg Bradbard, President of Hope through Housing, Steve PonTell, President/CEO of National CORE, and Alyssa Cotter, Director of Development at Hope through Housing.

The video features highlights from 2020, an overview of our Building Bright Futures initiative, and a virtual tour of Day Creek Senior Villas. It is our way of saying thanks for your support during a very challenging year. You made it possible for us to have a tremendous impact and make a difference for the thousands of children, families, and seniors who live in our communities.