H.O.M.E. (Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly)

Summary

The video highlights the impactful work of *Home*, a private organization dedicated to improving the lives of elderly people through safe, affordable housing and supportive programs. Led by founders Michael and Lilo, *Home* operates projects like the Oak Park and Crowley Homes and the Natalie Salmon House, fostering an intergenerational community. Key initiatives include a moving program to assist seniors with relocation and a shopping bus service to ensure accessibility. Staff and residents share personal stories demonstrating the profound sense of community, mutual care, and positive influence on seniors’ independence and well-being. The organization exemplifies the importance of age-inclusive living and support networks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Home is a private organization focused on improving the lives of the elderly by providing decent housing and essential support.
• 😀 Michael and Lilo, the founders, were inspired by the success of earlier pilot programs to raise $4.5 million for a 55-unit intergenerational housing project named Natalie Salon House.
• 😀 The Natalie Salon House honors the memory of their daughter Natalie, reflecting the Salmons' passion for community and care for the elderly.
• 😀 The intergenerational housing model brings together elderly residents and younger people, fostering community and mutual care across generations.
• 😀 The new Moving Program aims to ease the transition for seniors into safer, affordable housing by providing moving coordination and assistance with moving expenses.
• 😀 Karen Ardan Tabani, the manager at the Pat Crowley House, is deeply committed to the elderly residents and their well-being, playing a vital role in the day-to-day running of the community.
• 😀 Karen’s family, including her two children, lives in the community, allowing her children to grow up in an environment rich in intergenerational interaction.
• 😀 Many residents find comfort and joy in the community setting, as evidenced by the children’s fondness for the chairlift and the overall positive environment.
• 😀 The organization helps seniors with home repairs and maintenance, making a significant impact by addressing issues that are often neglected due to financial constraints.
• 😀 The Shopping Bus program provides seniors with transportation to grocery stores, helping them maintain independence and meet their basic needs without incurring additional costs.
• 😀 The essence of the organization’s mission is to create an inclusive, supportive environment where people of all ages interact, live together, and care for one another, emphasizing the value of age diversity.

Q & A

What is the core mission of the organization featured in the video?

The core mission of the organization is to improve the lives of the elderly by providing safe, decent, and affordable housing while fostering intergenerational living and community support.

Why was the Natalie Salon House created, and what is its significance?

The Natalie Salon House was created in memory of the founders' daughter, Natalie, and serves as a 55-unit intergenerational residence aimed at providing a home for elderly residents while creating a community where people of all ages live and care for each other.

How did Michael and Lilo fund the construction of the Natalie Salon House?

Michael and Lilo raised $4.5 million to fund the construction of the Natalie Salon House, one of their most ambitious projects, addressing the growing housing shortage for seniors.

What role does intergenerational living play in the organization's approach to elder care?

Intergenerational living is central to the organization’s philosophy, promoting interactions between people of all ages. This approach helps reduce isolation among the elderly and fosters meaningful relationships that benefit both young and old residents.

Can you explain the moving program introduced by the organization?

The moving program helps seniors move into safer, more affordable housing by providing free services such as a moving coordinator, boxes, and partnerships with moving companies. This initiative removes the logistical and financial barriers that many seniors face when relocating.

How did Karen Ardan Tabani’s upbringing at the organization influence her life and career?

Karen Ardan Tabani grew up in an intergenerational environment, living alongside elderly residents. This experience shaped her career and personal life, influencing her work with seniors and inspiring her own children, particularly her daughter, to pursue a career in occupational therapy.

What is the impact of the shopping bus program on the residents?

The shopping bus program provides essential transportation for residents who cannot otherwise access grocery stores or shopping centers. The program ensures that seniors can get their groceries without relying on family members, fostering independence and improving quality of life.

What personal traits does the staff member who manages the shopping bus exhibit?

The staff member managing the shopping bus is described as friendly, reliable, and attentive, always making sure to connect with residents on a personal level, helping them shop, and ensuring they return safely to their homes.

How does the organization support seniors in maintaining their independence?

The organization helps seniors maintain their independence by providing not only housing but also services like the moving program, the shopping bus, and emotional support. These services allow residents to live self-sufficiently while remaining connected to a caring community.

Why does the organization believe intergenerational living is important for all age groups?

The organization believes that intergenerational living benefits all age groups by fostering a sense of community, reducing isolation, and providing opportunities for mutual learning and support. By living together, both seniors and younger residents gain valuable life experiences.