Last month, I had the opportunity to join the Kojo Nnamdi Show as a panelist to discuss Aging in Place without Breaking the Bank on WAMU 88.5FM. I hope you had the opportunity to listen to this great conversation with experts from government, private, and non-profit sectors on how residents can live where they choose as they age.
This is a topic that I get to discuss often—every day, in fact—in my role at the DC Office on Aging. Whether it’s with you in the community, with college students interested in professions related to aging, or a panel of experts, knowing that this Administration is deeply committed to engaging individuals from all walks of life, all ages, and all backgrounds in how we can age well, where and how we choose, makes me proud to be a resident of this city.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has made it clear that DC is a city for everyone, whether you’ve been here for five minutes, or five generations. Through her Age-Friendly initiatives, every government agency is committed to making DC a city that works for you at every age, and every stage of your life.
Sometimes that means that programs like Safe at Home, which has made close to 1,600 DC homes safer and more accessible, are helping you stay in your own home. Sometimes it means that your neighbor, who assists with errands or your day-to-day household needs, is making it a little easier to be a part of your community. Mayor Bowser knows that to make DC the best city in the world to age, we need to be a government that supports the community in supporting each other.
And this is especially important today. I’m sure all of you know that the Arthur Capper Senior Apartment building was destroyed by a devastating fire last month. We are so incredibly thankful for the first responders’ quick action, the US Marine Corps, the residents nearby, and the social workers who were all instrumental in making sure our seniors made it out safely, and those who have been providing care for them during this difficult time. While we are so grateful that our residents are safe, we know it will be a long road to recovery. If you are interested in making a donation, you can do so through the Capitol Hill Community Foundation’s Arthur Capper Seniors Recovery Fund at HYPERLINK “https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/128159” https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/128159. Be sure to select “Arthur Capper Seniors Recovery Fund” as your designation.
In the days, weeks, and months ahead, we are 100 percent focused on working with all of our displaced senior residents in securing permanent housing.
Let’s continue to work together, to support each other, and look for ways that we can make the lives of our neighbors, friends, and families, a little easier.
If you missed the discussion, I encourage you to listen online at www.thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2018-09-17 or visit us at www.dcoa.dc.gov for a link to the show.