Hope in Action

Senior-Centered Exercise Classes Promote Wellness and Social Connection

It’s Thursday morning. Music is blaring from a portable speaker in the Day Creek Seniors Villas community room. A booming voice can be heard, calling out exercise moves to a room full of older adults, ranging in age from 62 to 91 years old.

The class, led by Coach Evan Russo, a personal trainer specializing in senior fitness, specifically targets the muscles, tendons, and joints that are most at risk for injury in aging bodies. Chairs are set up in the room to ensure safety and stability. Russo’s exercises include stretches that improve mobility in the ankles, shoulders, legs, and arms to minimize injury, dancing and cardio that increase fitness and quality of life, and brain exercises that increase reaction times and mental sharpness.

The classes began virtually at the beginning of the pandemic, as a way to keep senior residents engaged, healthy, and connected during stay-at-home mandates. Introduced to Hope through Housing by our founder and board member, Andy Wright, and his wife Blenda, who now serves as a co-instructor in the class, Coach Russo has brought new energy to our senior fitness program. Currently, Coach Russo provides classes at nine senior communities. Because of its popularity, Hope through Housing is pursuing plans to expand the program to reach more seniors.

After a Lifetime of Service, Marcelo Finds New Hope at Veterans Park

In 2020, after years of service, Marcelo found himself in an unfamiliar position – needing assistance from others. A Navy Veteran and retired dental assistant, he was surviving on his pension in overcrowded, unsafe housing. He began to lose his eyesight and his living situation became more stressful. His roommates, whom he had thought were friends, started taking advantage of him.

While he was struggling with his roommates, Marcelo heard about Veterans Park, a new affordable housing development in Pomona, exclusively for Veterans. The timing was perfect, and Marcelo found himself moving into his new apartment home a few months later. According to Marcelo, his new home has “made a lot of difference.”

We Love Our Circle!

We had a great time celebrating our Circle of Hope members at our annual Circle of Hope reception! Circle of Hope members give $100 or more each year to Hope through Housing, providing hope and opportunity to children, families and seniors.

Thank You to Our AmeriCorps Members!

Earlier this month, we celebrated #AmeriCorps week! We are very thankful for the dedicated work of our many AmeriCorps members, who each and every day help us to achieve our mission of breaking the cycle of poverty for children, seniors, individuals, and families.

Check Out the 2021 Hope through Housing Impact Report

Thank You for Your Support Throughout a Year Like No Other

The past year proved to be another challenging time for our residents as they continued to struggle with job loss, health challenges, safety concerns, online schooling, and the financial strain brought on by the pandemic. But each day, with your help, Hope through Housing was able to be there for our residents. We ensured that basic needs were met, provided kids with a safe space where they could feel connected and supported, offered financial assistance to families who were struggling, and helped seniors remain engaged, healthy, and safe. Thank you for your commitment to this work and for helping us make an impact every day!

Volunteer Heroes: On Read Across America Day, Women of Hope Spread the Message that Reading is Cool!

In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Hope through Housing volunteers celebrated Read Across America Day by engaging youth in literacy. Volunteers have been participating in monthly reading activities as part of the Women of Hope’s new literacy initiative, working with children in the after-school program. As part of the experience and to foster a love of reading, each child receives a book to take home. To engage the entire family, Hope through Housing also provides an additional book with reading activities for families to do together at home.

Become a Sponsor for Beauty, Bubbles & Bites!

You Won’t Want to Miss The Ladies Event of the Season with the Women of Hope on June 9

Join the Women of Hope for an exclusive lady’s night out! The 3rd annual Beauty, Bubbles & Bites is scheduled for Thursday, June 9th at Red Hill Country Club. This fun event features the latest in beauty and self-care, a signature drink, tasty bites, and an accessory auction. All proceeds benefit Hope through Housing’s Building Bright Futures Fund, helping local youth in our community to succeed in school and beyond.