FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sacramento, CA – August 13, 2026 – VOA announced today that it has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Einstein Jewish Community Services (EJCS) to support “Housing and Social Services for Older Adults Experiencing Homelessness.” This investment will help close a critical funding gap at VOA’s Senior Safe House Program, one of the only programs of its kind on the West Coast dedicated to older adults experiencing abuse, neglect, or homelessness.
Located within Sacramento County, VOA has served the region since 1911, providing housing, employment, and supportive services to some of the community’s most vulnerable neighbors, including low‑income older adults and adults with disabilities. The Senior Safe House is a specialized, six‑bed, home‑like emergency shelter offering safe housing and supportive services for adults ages 60 and older who have experienced physical, emotional, or financial abuse or neglect and who would otherwise face homelessness or continued unsafe living conditions.
“This grant from Einstein Jewish Community Services comes at a pivotal time for older adults in the Sacramento region,” said Christie Holderegger, VOA President and CEO. “Senior homelessness and abuse cases are rising while the cost of providing age‑appropriate shelter and care has outpaced available funding. EJCS’s investment helps us keep our doors open to seniors in crisis, ensuring they have a safe place to stay, a caring team by their side, and a clear path to stable housing.”
The grant will also help launch a Financial Literacy & Awareness Component in partnership with volunteer bank employees. Through Fraud Prevention Sessions delivered at the Senior Safe House, seniors will learn how to recognize scams, protect personal information, and respond to suspected financial exploitation, issues that are especially critical for older adults experiencing housing instability or abuse.
“Einstein Jewish Community Services is proud to partner with VOA to prevent homelessness among older adults and ensure they can live with safety, dignity, and stability,” said Judi Turtletaub, co-president of Einstein Jewish Community Services. “By supporting the Senior Safe House, we are strengthening a vital safety net for low-income seniors who are facing some of the most frightening moments of their lives.”
For more information about VOA’s senior services, including the Senior Safe House, visit www.voa-ncnn.org/services/senior-services-northern-california.
Media Contact:
Ana Bankert, VP of Development and Marketing
Cell: 916-223-0375
info@voa-ncnn.org
www.voa-ncnn.org