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AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Volunteers of America manages seven residential properties through-out
Colorado, all of which provide permanent housing to
low-income seniors, families, and handicapped
individuals. Most of these proper-
ties are for low-income seniors, ages 62+ who are
often without savings or retirement plans, and
living on social security alone. These programs
require residents to pay only 30% of their monthly
income toward rent, with Housing and Urban
Development HUD) subsidies providing the
balance. Without these Volunteers of America
properties, many of Volunteer of America’s residents
would be faced with inadequate housing or
homelessness.
All of the Volunteers of America properties are more than just “bricks
and mortar,” they’re home. These properties provide
on-site staff dedicated to helping older residents
through the maze of Medicare and Medicaid, ensuring
access to proper healthcare. Many of these prop-erties
offer hot meals and classes on nutrition and healthy
aging. Computer rooms and social groups provide
opportunities for intellectual stimulation and
socialization, alleviating loneliness and isolation.
Volunteer ministers make regular visits for any
resident seeking spiritual growth and counsel. These
Volunteer of America’s properties are designed so
that all of its residents have the opportunity to
thrive.
Reina’s Story
Reina had been pregnant and on the streets until she entered the
Volunteers of America Transitional Housing Program,
which offered her short-term housing, a life skills
course and parenting classes. With newfound support
and skills, her confidence and courage grew and
Reina’s life changed dramatically. Reina now works
as a nanny which enables her to care for her own
baby while working.
Today Reina lives in a Volunteers of America
affordable housing property in Denver and has
developed a new support system with the many
families in her apartment building. With help from
Volunteers of America’s referral and collabo-rative
efforts, Reina received a three year $5,000 college
grant and started her first college courses at Metro
State College in January 2007. For the first time in
her life, Reina has a stable home and family and a
network, which includes Volunteers of America, to
rely on. |
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NUTRITIONAL SERVICES
More than 11% of Coloradoans live in poverty, and of
those 167,000 are children. Every day Volunteers of
America’s Nutritional Services combats hunger and
food insecurity among low-income individuals
including children, seniors, the homeless, and those
families who struggle with the cost of living.
Through Meals on Wheels, Volunteers of America
ensures homebound seniors receive at least one hot,
nutritious meal a day. In the Head Start programs,
preschoolers receive a sound breakfast and lunch
enabling them to grow and learn. Homeless
individuals and families are welcomed at each meal
site and those in crisis are given emergency food
staples to see them to the next paycheck. As long as
Colorado’s most vulnerable individuals are hungry,
they will be unable to focus on rebuilding their
lives and creating a better tomorrow. As long as
there are hungry people, Volunteers of America will
be there to help.
Tillie’s Story
Tillie Martinez stands 4 foot 3 inches high and yet is a monument to the
spirit of volunteering. About 26 years ago, Matilda
“Tillie” Martinez began a long volunteer career with
Volunteers of America. That’s why she considers it
ironic that she’s become the recipient of someone
else’s giving– Volunteers of America’s Meals on
Wheels.
Eighty-five-year-old Tillie lives by herself and cares for herself. While
she can no longer drive, she relishes her
independence. “I love to be able to live in my own
house. There are so many memories here.”
Tillie reflects, “Well, I never thought Meals on Wheels would be for
someone like me. I make a little donation each month
to Meals on Wheels, ‘cause I depend on them. I know
I don’t have to, but I appreciate it so much.”
As long as Tillie can ‘get around,’ she maintains her independence and
calls on a little help from Volunteers of America.
After all of Tillie’s years of service, it seems
quite fitting. |
