Supports that Keep Older Adults out of Poverty

Formal Supports and Programs: 

• PEACE Inc. has a lot of programs to help people; e.g. getting signed up for HEAP and other programs, acting as advocates for people, making resources (e.g. clothing) available 

• Senior Chat Line (Interfaith Works) helped during the pandemic to ease stress of being isolated and connect seniors to resources 

• Community-based programs and agencies that foster dialogue, facilitate interaction 

• Accessible transportation and bus routes that help senior citizens get around 

• Potential new legislation/projects forthcoming: care managers for seniors; wifi in Syracuse  

• Quite a few senior centers (but struggling due to Covid); strong department of aging; libraries 

• Great network of community centers and faith communities – food, companionship, etc 

Financial Supports (Formal and Informal): 

•  SNAP Program and healthcare programs that provide access to medication and food 

• Help from family members or others – families who can help pay the bills 

• 401K and pensions can help – some people are in better situations than others 

• Community forums – programs rely on community input (seniors in particular) - stipends 

COVID   

• Not as much economic disruption for older adults due to Covid as for younger people. 

Systemic Factors (Policy, Racial Equity/Inequity, Cultural Awareness): 

• Resources available to the white portion of the community 

• Education/Training – programs that are focused on educating across all ethnicities in our community 

Challenges that Make it Difficult for Older Adults to Stay Out of Poverty

High cost of living: 

• High cost of living – rent, utilities, food. Stretching the budget to pay the bills. Have to rob Peter to pay Paul. When your grocery bill is so high, but eating healthier costs more; Nutrition plays a significant role in keeping people healthy 

• Cost of prescription medication. Seniors need medication and skipping bills or visa versa. Chronic health conditions and cost of health care.  

• Housing affordability, including assisted living. Prices just keep rising for everything but income doesn’t much 

• High cost of living 

• Healthcare costs – cost increasing/need increasing/Caregiving costs 

Systemic Factors (Policy, Racial Equity/Inequity, Cultural Awareness): 

• Redlining set in place about 100 years ago to differentiate areas of minorities, particularly African American. Red lines designated as hazardous. Hard to get home loans, education, getting economic investments. Not much was done to improve these areas. Legacy of red lining still exists and inter-generational problem perpetuates. 

• Gaps – not poor enough to qualify for some things, but not enough income to cover all your needs 

• Digital divide: Information access; lack of knowledge of technology and resources 

• Quadrants in the city and resources for those schools 

Transportation and other community resource issues: 

• Lack of transportation 

• Transportation / access to affordable food/goods 

• Lack of resources, connections available – transportation/neighborhood/information and communication 

Education/Training: 

• Education/Training – is everyone getting a proper education at a young age and throughout their lives – are we sharing our education with our community? 

• Financial literacy 

Lack of community and family support: 

• Lack of community  

• Lack of family members close by 

Peace, Inc.

Syracuse Financial Empowerment Center

Senior Companion Program

SNAP/Food Bank of Central New York

Onondaga County Office for Aging - HEAP program

InterFaith Works of CNY

Vera House

Financial Planners

Christopher Community

Affordable Housing Developers

CENTRO

Housing Supports 

• More rent/housing subsidies available for seniors; Cheaper subsidized housing. Increased access to Section 8 

• Abandoned buildings given/appropriated for homeless or housing insecure 

• Public/Private partnership to Redevelop Great Northern Mall/Shoppingtown mall into a senior living community; Stores converted into small apartments, ancillary services such as hair salon, restaurant, pharmacy, market, shuttle, painted ceilings, community rooms, senior services, etc. 

• Repurpose abandoned houses; Don’t build new housing that infringes on wildlife 

• Affordable housing near more/better/cheaper services 

Transportation 

• Rethinking transportation services – making it personal transportation – someone to escort the senior/person into the building. 

• Informational van to spread information and also provide transportation for senior citizens; mobile mental health services and resources 

• Enhance existing transportation services  

Financial Education and Support 

• One-stop shop available in the community to everyone to include attorneys, finance, healthcare, mental health, social workers, employment – free of charge 

• Digital divide – access to devices, education, programs, etc 

• Financial Literacy – providing more financial literacy from youth to older age.   

Universal Basic Income for everyone. Everyone gets $2000 per month;  

Changes in regulation to reduce the cost of insurance, taxes, enhanced employment law (ex. - covering insurance for part time work) and caregiving– no cost for seniors that hit a certain age – gradually declining cost for older adults also based on income 

Senior companion program where seniors are exposed to the community and community resources 

Outdoor socially distanced Senior Citizen fairs and activities 

Outdoor "Senior Fun Fairs" to educate Older Adults and reconnect them to community resources that address and alleviate senior poverty. Fun Fairs will be held at Senior Apartment Buildings in areas with a high percentage of senior poverty, with partner Aging Services providers setting up tables and offering raffle prizes to attendees. These COVID-safe events will also help older adults reconnect with their neighbors; promote fun through raffle prizes, refreshments and music; and begin to overcome the extended isolation caused by the pandemic.