This Father's Day give the gift of impact for seniors
Last week my parents came to Chicago to visit me, it was the first time in a while that I got to spend time with them. It was also the first time that it became clear to me that my parents are getting older. As “baby boomers” grow older, the aging population grows.
The aging population in the U.S.
The aging population in the U.S.According the United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging
- The older population (65+) reached 43.1 million in 2012, an increase of 21% since 2002.
- About one in every seven (13.7%) of the population is an older American.
- Persons reaching age 65 have an average life expectancy of an additional 19.2 years.
- In 2012, 21.0% of persons 65+ were members of racial or ethnic minority populations
The reality of senior poverty
For many seniors without the right resources, including physical and financial, aging can prove to be difficult. In fact:
- About 28% of older persons live alone.
- The median income of older persons in 2012 was $27,612 for males and $16,040 for females.
- Over 3.9 million elderly persons were below the poverty level in 2012.
“Aging in place”
Older adults who live on low incomes drive our passion for serving Chicago’s underserved seniors. We focus on safety, affordability, and independence, and we believe in helping each senior achieve his or her greatest quality of life. The core of our mission is to help seniors “age in place.” According to the Center for Disease Control aging in place is "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level." Each of our programs is suited to help seniors age in place.
- Our Upkeep and Repair program provides the basic repair services that are essential for the safety and wellbeing of the senior.
- Our shopping bus provides seniors with access to grocery stores, farmers markets or other vendors selling fresh, high-quality, affordable food that they otherwise may be without.
- Our revamped moving program helps seniors during one of life’s most stressful times – moving from one home to anothe
- Three intergenerational affordable houses where seniors choose between individual apartments or, for residents who need some assistance, shared living.
How you can help
Last month, one of our generous donors made a contribution to H.O.M.E. in honor of her parents and mentioned in the donation that her “mom and dad are very fortunate to have a home to live in, and I wish the same for others”. The services that we provide here at H.O.M.E. help our clients maintain their independence and, as such, they are more likely to “age in place.”
With Father’s Day coming up next weekend we invite you to make an impact in the lives of the clients that we serve by donating in honor of your loved one.
Every donation makes a difference. Each contribution will support H.O.M.E.’s activities to help low-income seniors in Chicago remain safe, healthy, and independent.
- $150 pays for monthly food costs for two residents living in our shared living houses
- $50 pays for monthly operating costs that is not covered by a tenant’s rent for an apartment at Nathalie Salmon House
- $10 pays for an outing for senior residents, to keep them engaged in their community and support their sense of well-being
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P.S. On June 21st, H.O.M.E. staff, clients, board members and other supporters will join thousands of others in the Greater Chicago Food Depository Hunger Walk at Soldier Field to raise funds and awareness for the fight to end hunger.
Click here to Register to Walk with HOME!
Can’t make it on the 21st? You can still participate by helping us fundraise!