By Geraldine Bayron-Rivera, Ph.D. | Executive Director
Dear Donors:
Receive best wishes 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 2025.
During this quarter, we had the opportunity to visit 51 vulnerable communities in the following 17 Puerto Rican municipalities: Aguadilla, Arecibo, Bayamón, Canóvanas, Carolina, Cayey, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Maricao, Mayaguez, Patillas, San Juan, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vieques, and Yabucoa. Nevertheless, it is essential to mention that our organization already has a presence in more than 35 municipalities in Puerto Rico (almost 45% of the island's total cities).
A total of 723 older adults were impacted during this period. Of those, 419 were women (58%), and 304 were men (42%). These people received 4,695 units of service. These individuals are 60 years or older, and one of their primary challenges is the need for additional income to meet their basic needs, including food, social services, economic support, housing, and health services, even with the state's medical plan. Due to the increased living costs on the island, an increasing number of older adults are requesting support to cover these needs.
Likewise, part of this population's challenges is the abandonment of family and friends, so they require more substantial support with overall hygiene and food preparation. They also need people to talk to about their situations. As a result, we have identified a sense of isolation and loneliness among older adults, as they often lack a support network that enables them to stay connected.
Other various needs were identified among these individuals. Most of them lack the knowledge and skills to access digital platforms for social services, including housing subsidies, public housing, leasing, and healthcare. They are at high risk of losing their homes due to social determinants that affect their health and safety. Our staff facilitates capacity-building activities that enable older adults to learn how to use electronic devices and the Internet. They also help access and coordinate appointments for housing needs and health services, thereby managing loneliness and isolation. We found that many older adults living in impoverished communities had not renewed their government medical plan coverage, resulting in some not receiving necessary medical follow-ups. Many older adults face barriers to receiving medical care due to a lack of transportation, nearby clinics, or home services. It has also been identified that many older adults do not adequately understand medical instructions, which can affect treatment, adherence, and self-care.
Moreover, during this period, it was identified that there was a lack of access to mental health services, appointments were distant, and there were difficulties in accessing psychiatric services. It was recognized that many of the impacted participants lack the financial resources to cover the deductible costs of procedures and medical studies, which is another healthcare disadvantage among older citizens.
Additionally, a significant number of older adults face economic constraints that hinder their access to a healthy and balanced diet, which is essential for properly managing and caring for their health conditions. This population's greatest challenge is covering basic needs, such as food, personal items, household utilities, and rent payments, due to their precarious socioeconomic status, which affects their quality of life. Their economic situation cannot be improved by acquiring work because access to job opportunities is limited for many, and employers are primarily looking to hire young people. However, although these barriers exist in the work scenario, older adults are open to accepting volunteer opportunities to contribute their skills and talents to various communities across the island. Additionally, some individuals face challenges related to self-esteem and self-concept, especially those involving physical or cognitive limitations that can arise with age. These perceptions can affect their active participation in activities and their sense of purpose at this stage of life.
During this period, a significant number of older adults were evaluated by a general practitioner and received vitamins and OTC medications that contribute to strengthening and maintaining their health.
Recognizing the challenges faced by the older adult population, such as a lack of support networks and loneliness, new workshops aimed at promoting emotional well-being were implemented over these four months. Our staff offered practical workshops providing tools to promote and strengthen mental health.
We have provided healthcare activities and health education services specifically aimed at older adults residing in vulnerable communities in Puerto Rico. These health fairs were collaborations with other organizations, facilitated by established alliances, thereby expanding the scope of our health services and benefiting more older adults residing in conditions of extreme poverty. We provided hot meals, including breakfasts and lunches, and distributed emergency grocery bags containing non-perishable food, fresh products, and nutritional supplements. Moreover, we have also distributed personal hygiene kits, skin care kits, home cleaning kits, over-the-counter medicine kits, hydration kits, STI prevention kits, and essential equipment, small kitchen appliances, adult diapers, underpads, wipes, coffee cups, clothing, blankets, and pillows, among other necessities.
They have been receptive to participating in capacity-building activities through workshops, orientations, community conversations, education, and discussion tables. These settings allow them to exchange ideas and express their emotions, fostering healthy management of their daily lives. This approach enables them to contribute effectively and positively to many of the organization's and community's projects.
Workshops were provided on the following topics:
During this period, case management and community social work services were also provided through home visits, telephone calls with participants and community leaders, initial interviews, follow-ups, case discussions, appointment coordination, service coordination, document management, and internal and external referrals.
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.
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