On Saturday, we had the opportunity to go around San Diego to tour and learn about some affordable housing options for seniors. We visited a wide range of homes from a small single room occupancy (SRO) to larger individual living spaces. Starting our day off in Downtown San Diego, we first went to the Potiker Family Senior Residences. The guides there gave our class a very informative presentation on the current status of housing for seniors and what we learned was pretty eye-opening. In a sense, I knew that the housing situation was severely bad for both the homeless and the seniors but after hearing statistics and seeing the reality of the living conditions, I realized that everything seemed to be worse than I thought. However, I think in each of the locations we visited, residents were thankful to be there and to have stable shelter. When we went to our next location, the Sara Francis Hometel, it was much more rundown than all the other sites. Rooms and hallways were smaller, but the application process was way more lenient. Other sites that we visited had their own unique character. Third on our list was the Talmadge Gateway, which was specifically meant for people who had a chronic disease or who were in close contact with homelessness (was homeless or was going to be homeless). Shortly after, we went to North Park Seniors where the housing focus was to specifically serve the LGBTQ community. In every location we visited, we were accompanied by very helpful tour guides, who I could tell were very passionate about their job. I was glad that there are dedicated people working in the affordable housing field, though in society today, it might not be considered a prestigious occupation. I was also thankful for those who provide support for affordable housing and have hearts to give back and to address something that is very much needed. Overall, this experience humbled me as a person who has a home to go back to every single day.
From the start of the trip, I was also thinking about the elderly around me, how they need to be greater appreciated and how we as the younger generation need to take greater responsibility. I hope that more will realize and take action to address this severe housing crisis, not only in San Diego, but in cities with a rising senior population.
From the start of the trip, I was also thinking about the elderly around me, how they need to be greater appreciated and how we as the younger generation need to take greater responsibility. I hope that more will realize and take action to address this severe housing crisis, not only in San Diego, but in cities with a rising senior population.