With the Life Course Scholars Cohort, we recently went on an Affordable Housing Tour in San Diego. Introduced to Single Room Occupancies (SROs), inter-generational communities, and queer living communities for seniors, there is a large connection between healthy aging and community. When visiting the SRO, the size of the room surprised me. The residence was smaller than a college dorm room, yet its resident could not be happier to share their living space with us. Progressively through the day, I was fascinated by the energy of the seniors we met, contributing to their community and our lives with sharing their stories. Following the trip, I felt the need to do more research of my own on affordable housing programs such as SROs and Section 8, which made me understand these opportunities give people a chance to rebuild their lives-- a new beginning. I am glad that these programs are in place to provide assistance in housing for those who need it. However, the price of affordable housing still takes a majority of a senior's monthly income. Other programs must be further developed to remedy this socioeconomic issue.
The Cohort also took a trip to Barrio Logan. Compared to the rest of downtown, Barrio Logan was alive with art and culture. Murals challenged the concrete jungle created by highways which tore through the neighborhood. The involvement of the community is prominent, with community made signs and resting areas, memorials situated through Chicano park, and the Mural Restoration project being in full swing during our visit. While the area has to deal with high level of air pollution, uneven sidewalks and streets with poor lighting, the advocacy of the community to fight against oppressive structures is a force to be reckoned with. It is important for those in power to hear this collective voice to ensure older adults and the rest of the community can feel safe and secure, not just by their neighbors but by the city as well.
Having been born and raised in SoCal suburbia surrounded by my large family, I never had to struggle personally with housing or finding community. While home would be shared with cousins and grandparents, there was never fear of losing the house or finding childcare during the evening as there was always a family member ready provide their generosity. In sharing the same blood and roof over our heads, support was never absent in my home. Our last ventures into the field with the Life Course Scholars opened my eyes to the fortunate life I led, having a community and home to return to every single day. However, there are so many people out there who cannot say the same due to circumstances out of their own control. I hope that I can work in building communities and projects which would benefit the low-income and unhoused, as all anyone needs is a chance and community they can rely on to age beautifully.
The Cohort also took a trip to Barrio Logan. Compared to the rest of downtown, Barrio Logan was alive with art and culture. Murals challenged the concrete jungle created by highways which tore through the neighborhood. The involvement of the community is prominent, with community made signs and resting areas, memorials situated through Chicano park, and the Mural Restoration project being in full swing during our visit. While the area has to deal with high level of air pollution, uneven sidewalks and streets with poor lighting, the advocacy of the community to fight against oppressive structures is a force to be reckoned with. It is important for those in power to hear this collective voice to ensure older adults and the rest of the community can feel safe and secure, not just by their neighbors but by the city as well.
Having been born and raised in SoCal suburbia surrounded by my large family, I never had to struggle personally with housing or finding community. While home would be shared with cousins and grandparents, there was never fear of losing the house or finding childcare during the evening as there was always a family member ready provide their generosity. In sharing the same blood and roof over our heads, support was never absent in my home. Our last ventures into the field with the Life Course Scholars opened my eyes to the fortunate life I led, having a community and home to return to every single day. However, there are so many people out there who cannot say the same due to circumstances out of their own control. I hope that I can work in building communities and projects which would benefit the low-income and unhoused, as all anyone needs is a chance and community they can rely on to age beautifully.