Safe Haven for Abused Seniors Facing Closure
(Sacramento, CA) – Abused and neglected senior citizens are at risk of losing their safe haven. Due to shortfalls in funding, the Sacramento Senior Safe House will be forced to shut down on February 14th unless the budget deficit of $200,000 can be closed.
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. “There is no place like it in the country,” said Maxine Milner Krugman, chair of the Senior Safe House Advisory Board. “We have to do whatever must be done to keep it open.”
The Senior Safe House is 100% community supported program; receiving no government funds. Over the past four years, Volunteers of America has depended on an army of volunteers, donated food, furniture and cash. With funding cuts across nearly all programs, these resources are not enough to keep the Safe House open. Last week, Volunteers of America’s Board of Directors reluctantly voted to close the program on February 14 if the budget deficit cannot be 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.
Without immediate and ongoing support, the Sacramento Senior Safe House will be forced to close its doors within 4 weeks. Since opening in August of 2009, 241 seniors have been protected, nurtured, and relocated to safe and secure housing.
Individuals and organizations wishing to help should contact Shauna Ross at 916-625-3960, or give online at voa-ncnn.org.
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.
###