By Geraldine Bayron-Rivera, Ph.D. | Development & Programs Planning Director
Dear Donors:
Receive our greetings on behalf of La Fondita de Jesús’ family! It is with great respect that we report our achievements in providing services to prevent homelessness among older adults in Puerto Rico from July to October 2023.
During this quarter, we had the opportunity to visit 85 vulnerable communities, of which 37 (44%) were impacted for the very first time by our organization. These communities are in the following 12 municipalities of Puerto Rico: San Juan, Utuado, Carolina, Toa Baja, Loíza, Bayamón, Canóvanas, Caguas, Toa Alta, Cataño, Guaynabo, and Vega Baja. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that our organization already has a presence in more than 30 municipalities in Puerto Rico (almost 40% of the total of cities).
A total of 1,227 older adults were impacted during this period. Of those, 528 were women, and 699 were men. These people received over 6,575 units of service. They are 60 years or older people without enough income to be able to access their most basic needs, including social, economic, housing, and health services, even with the state medical plan.
Different needs were identified among these people. Most of them lack the knowledge and skills to access digital services regarding social services related to housing subsidies, public housing, leasing, and healthcare, being at high risk of losing their homes due to social determinants that affect their health and safety. Our staff is facilitating capacity-building activities where older adults learn how to use electronic devices and the Internet, as well as to access and coordinate their appointments, not only for housing needs but also for health services, thus managing loneliness and isolation. Other vital challenges that older adults confronted were accessing transportation to get to doctor appointments, the pharmacy, or the laboratory to take care of their health needs actively.
Also, we have distributed emergency backpacks during the hurricane season, helping older adults to be prepared and safe for future natural phenomena, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, or earthquakes. Our participants also received emergency grocery bags with non-perishable food and fresh products like Puerto Rican lettuce and cilantro. Moreover, we have also distributed personal hygiene kits, home cleaning kits, over-the-counter medicines kits, and equipment such as portable toilets, adjustable beds, walkers, adult diapers, gloves, and disinfecting wipes, among others.
Workshops were provided on the following themes:
We reiterate our gratitude to you, our social investors, who believe in our mission to continue impacting the lives of those who need it most. With your support, we can achieve this and more.
Thank you!
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