Community Rallies to Save Senior Safe House
(Sacramento, CA) – Thanks to overwhelming community support, abused and neglected seniors’ safe haven is secure through June 30, 2014.
The Sacramento Senior Safe House, operated by Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada, was at risk of closure due to a $198,000 budget deficit. In four short weeks, the community rallied around this unique program, raising the funds needed to keep the program open.
This will allow the program to stay open through June 30, giving Volunteers of America the opportunity to make adjustments and secure long-term funding so this vulnerable population can be served for years to come.
“The support of our community has been overwhelming,” said Christie Holderegger, Chief Development Officer for Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada. “In one month, donors from every walk of life have come together to close this budget deficit. Our organization and the seniors we serve are overcome with gratitude.”
While the Senior Safe House will remain open through June 30, 2014, without a consistent and reliable funding stream, the future of the Senior Safe House will remain vulnerable. It will take a combination of public and private dollars to keep the doors open to protect and care for our vulnerable neighbors.
Additional donations received by Volunteers of America will be directed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Senior Safe House.
Last month, Volunteers of America’s Board of Directors reluctantly voted to close the program on February 14 if a $198,000 budget deficit was not closed.
The Senior Safe House, a six-bedroom residential-style home, offers vulnerable seniors short-term shelter and care services, including meals, social visits, help with medical and other appointments, and assistance in finding safe and permanent housing. All services are free. Most clients are referred by Sacramento County Adult Protective Services, Veterans Affairs, local hospitals, or are self-referred.
About Volunteers of America
Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada office of Volunteers of America is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs providing: senior services; veteran services; employment services; homeless services; substance abuse treatment and recovery services; youth services; transitional housing; permanent supportive housing; and low income housing. In fact, Volunteers of America provides shelter or housing to nearly 1,800 men, women and children every night in the Greater Sacramento area. Nationally, Volunteers of America helps more than 2.5 million people annually in more than 400 communities. For more information, visit www.voa-ncnn.org.
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