In many communities, there are senior citizens who are living below the poverty line. We have all heard stories of the elderly having to make decisions about whether to pay for necessities or purchase much-needed medication. There have even been stories of seniors eating cat food because that was the only food they could afford.

Statistics show that members of the senior population reporting income in 2017 (49.3 million), 13% reported less than $10,000 and 49% reported $25,000 or more. In 2017, 4,681,000 people age 65 and over (9.2%) were below the poverty level. Another 2.5 million or 4.9% of older adults were classified as "near-poor" (income between the poverty level and 125% of this level). In 2017, 2.7 million older Whites (alone, not Hispanic) (7.0%) were poor, compared to 19.3% of older African Americans (alone), 10.8% of older Asians (alone), and 17.0% of older Hispanics (any race). (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement.)

Our outreach programs strive to meet the diverse needs of the aging population by providing case management support services, personal care services, nutritious food, and personal care items. We conduct giveaways quarterly for the aging population living in senior buildings and facilities.