Each outing with the class opens my eyes in some way. During our affordable housing tour on January 27th, I was made aware of all the various alternatives for older adults who are in a tough financial situation. The first place we visited was Potiker, another development by Serving Seniors, the organization that built the West Center. There, we met a lovely woman who showed us into her home, which she decorated with cards and love. She was a very sweet woman who told us about how she was writing a novel and how we didn’t have to worry about her because she is strong, healthy, and happy. Her warmth was contagious and I was so happy to have met her, even if it was brief. During this time, we also toured Sara Frances Hometel, which was similar to a single-room occupancy hotel. This hometel was vastly different than the other places we had visited, but I was appreciative of the residents who tried to make it their own. The rooms were much smaller than the ones at Potiker and the rent was expensive in my eyes (almost $900), but we were told that this was a great deal and it beat the streets. I couldn;t wrap my mind around that. We saw places where people were living in newer developments with additional resources, but this is the best these people could have? I am grateful that these people lived off the streets or out of shelters, but I wanted more for them. The man that let us tour his home made it his own, as well and was very kind to let us see his space.
We also went to Talmadge Senior Village, which was an affordable housing facility with an emphasis on caring for people with additional health or disability needs. We were privileged enough to meet Bruce, who brought us into his room, which was decorated so nicely and gave off an energy of serenity. Bruce told us the story of how a woman had gotten him into this housing after he had been homeless for several years. Bruce, a veteran, had been living at Talmadge for nearly 7 years and he spoke of it with so much gratitude. When he took us outside to view the patio, he gave us an emotional talk that touched all of us and motivated us to continue doing the work we do. His speech was something that I needed to hear, as I was contemplating various career decisions.
After Talmadge, we visited the North Park Senior Facility, which was an LGBT-friendly housing center. They had amazing programming, volunteers, and a community there. Our group had lunch with people there, but I was nervous in the back of my mind because I had to promote my healthy aging project, which has an emphasis on sharing LGBT older adults’ stories. While I was there, I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone and spoke to several people who were willing to help me on my project, such as Mary, a bright and interesting woman who sent me some personal memoirs, and Rob, who also sent me a memoir. I was so grateful to meet all these people and I hope to volunteer with them again! Every class, I am grateful to have chosen to be a part of this course, as I am learning and meeting so many amazing people.
We also went to Talmadge Senior Village, which was an affordable housing facility with an emphasis on caring for people with additional health or disability needs. We were privileged enough to meet Bruce, who brought us into his room, which was decorated so nicely and gave off an energy of serenity. Bruce told us the story of how a woman had gotten him into this housing after he had been homeless for several years. Bruce, a veteran, had been living at Talmadge for nearly 7 years and he spoke of it with so much gratitude. When he took us outside to view the patio, he gave us an emotional talk that touched all of us and motivated us to continue doing the work we do. His speech was something that I needed to hear, as I was contemplating various career decisions.
After Talmadge, we visited the North Park Senior Facility, which was an LGBT-friendly housing center. They had amazing programming, volunteers, and a community there. Our group had lunch with people there, but I was nervous in the back of my mind because I had to promote my healthy aging project, which has an emphasis on sharing LGBT older adults’ stories. While I was there, I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone and spoke to several people who were willing to help me on my project, such as Mary, a bright and interesting woman who sent me some personal memoirs, and Rob, who also sent me a memoir. I was so grateful to meet all these people and I hope to volunteer with them again! Every class, I am grateful to have chosen to be a part of this course, as I am learning and meeting so many amazing people.