To Help Combat Elder Homelessness
In conjunction with May’s designation as ‘Older Americans Month’, Town & Country FCU made a significant contribution of $3,500 to Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) in support of its Elder Homelessness Prevention Program, a pilot project from SMAA. The initiative is aimed at helping people throughout York and Cumberland counties find affordable housing, access resources and support to ensure they are not evicted, and help move into long term care facilities, if needed.
Representatives from the credit union joined SMAA representatives at the Agency’s main office in Biddeford to make the joint announcement. In its presentation, Town & Country reiterated its commitment to helping find “impactful ways to make a difference on issues that are important in our community.” Jon Paradise, SVP of Town & Country, said, “Our commitment to ‘Local Helping Local’ goes well beyond financial services. Through the leadership of our President and CEO, David Libby, and our Board, our culture is focused on finding opportunities to support and partner with organizations to expand programs and services that address issues affecting our community. From our own experience and after speaking with SMAA, we understand that homelessness or housing instability among older Mainers has increased significantly in recent years. Our contribution will enable SMAA to expand its efforts in this area.”
Megan Walton, CEO of Southern Maine Agency on Aging, explained, “Town & Country’s $3,500 contribution will provide approximately 70 hours of case management support and help us help older adults find or maintain safe, stable housing. In addition, this gift will support further partnership work with other senior service providers locally who are working on these issues so that SMAA can be more coordinated and aligned in our efforts to tackle homelessness. The gap between affordable housing production and eligible, low-income older adults in need of housing is growing rapidly so this contribution comes at a critical time. SMAA greatly appreciates the support from Town & Country for our critical work in helping older adults facing a housing crisis.”
