Message from Liz . . .
On November 3rd I hosted my Fifth Annual Senior Resource Fair. The fair always inspires me. I meet so many wonderful seniors interested in becoming more involved in their communities and I always learn about new groups offering services to seniors.
At the fair, seniors had the chance to talk to representatives from a variety of government and non-profit agencies that specialize in everything from healthcare to care-giver support to housing to healthy aging to volunteer opportunities to cultural affairs. I was also joined at the event by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, NYC Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and Assembly Member Micah Kellner.
Year after year, my Senior Resource Fair grows bigger. It never ceases to amaze me how strong of a demand there is for this type of event. By bringing together government agencies, non profits and the communities they serve under one roof, we've been able to streamline the delivery of resources to hundreds of seniors and their caregivers, who often have a hard time accessing relevant information. Too many seniors find themselves in real distress during these tough economic times, making it even more imperative that they are aware of every single service and opportunity that can be of assistance.
This year, over 60 exhibitors were on hand to provide information helpful to older adults, their friends and families. Hundreds of people from across the five boroughs attended. I was particularly inspired by one 92 year old woman who described herself as "mostly homebound", but carefully used her walker to spend over two hours at the fair visiting the various organizations.
As I often find at events, people were extremely concerned about housing, as so many seniors in my district find their apartments increasingly difficult to afford, or face landlords aggressively trying to move them out. Undeniably, the lack of affordable housing alternatives contributes to the sense of desperation many seniors feel about their housing situations.
A number of seniors also expressed their concern that the problems they face now pale in comparison to what, they fear, their grandchildren may face in the future. With attacks on social security and medicare, rising healthcare costs and growing environmental concerns, the problems of today's seniors may grow worse for generations to come.
At the fair, I also unveiled and distributed the Fourth Edition of my Senior Resource Guide, a 90 page comprehensive guide that provides information on everything from long term care to veterans' benefits to healthcare to housing, and much more. If you would like a copy, call my office at (212) 490-9535, or access the guide on the web at lkrueger.nysenate.gov .
Liz