Shelter for Elders Endowment
The Shelter for Elders Endowment addresses the needs of an increasing number of residents aged 60 and above seeking assistance from JALA for various housing issues, including reverse mortgage foreclosures, door-to-door scams, wrongful evictions, substandard living conditions, and discriminatory practices. JALA President and CEO Jim Kowalski describes the seniors reaching out as often “confused, bewildered, and disappointed,” having either been taken advantage of or facing unfamiliar challenges.
In response to these challenges, Shelter for Elders aims to establish a sustainable funding source for legal resources, expert counsel, and advocacy services. This initiative seeks to supplement grant funding specifically designated for seniors, which has historically fallen short of meeting the actual need. Kowalski emphasizes the urgency, stating, “We run out of funding before we run out of old people.”
Highlighting the particular difficulties faced by area seniors, Kowalski notes the lack of sufficient “backup plans” to support them. He emphasizes the necessity for expanding legal assistance available to vulnerable seniors.
The overarching goal of Shelter for Elders is to enable seniors to retain their homes and “age in place.” Legal aid also produces a positive impact on seniors’ health by enabling them to stay in their homes, as opposed to being compelled into long-term care or other congregate living facilities.
