Prevent older adults homelessness in Puerto Rico

Dear donors:

Receive our greetings on behalf of the family of Corporación La Fondita de Jesús! This time, with great respect we will report to you our achievements providing services to prevent homelessness among elderly people in Puerto Rico from March to June 2023.

During this quarter, we had the opportunity to visit 89 vulnerable communities, of which 57 (64%) were impacted for the very first time by our organization. These communities are located in the following 14 municipalities of Puerto Rico: Bayamón, Canóvanas, Carolina, Cayey, Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Humacao, Loíza, San Juan, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja. Nevertheless, it is important to note that Corporación La Fondita de Jesús already has a presence in more than 30 municipalities of the island (almost 40% of the totality of municipalities).

A total of 1,063 elderly people were impacted during this period. Of those, 644 were women, and 433 were men. These people received a total of 6,084 units of services. They are 60 year or older people without enough income to be able to access their most basic needs, including social, economic, housing, and health services, even with the state medical plan.

Different needs were identified among these people. Most of them lack knowledge and skills to access social services related to housing subsidies, public housing, or leasing, being in high risk of losing their homes due to social determinants. Our staff is facilitating workshops where elderly people learn how to use electronic devices and the Internet, as well as to access and coordinate their appointments, not only for housing needs, but also for health care and managing loneliness and isolation.

Also, we distributed emergency backpacks, helping elderly people to be prepared and safe for future natural phenomena, such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Our participants also received emergency grocery bags with non-perishable food and fresh products like Puerto Rican lettuce and cilantro.

Workshops were provided on the following themes:

• What is the digital gap?
• Parts of a tablet
• Preparation and use of an emergency backpack
• What to do before, during, and after an emergency
• Creation of emergency plans for natural disasters
• Creation of vegetable gardens

We reiterate our gratitude to you, our social investors, who believe in our mission to continue impacting the lives of those most in need. Without your support, none of this would be achieved.

Thank you!