The Commission on Aging will hear from local housing organizations on how COVID-19 has impacted older adults and housing. Seniors have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic around the country. In addition, older adults experiencing homelessness are a growing population that is particularly vulnerable to contracting and dying from COVID-19. Amid this emergency, affordable housing and service providers have had to adapt the way they assist seniors and other vulnerable populations.

The presentations will take place during the Commission on Aging’s monthly meeting at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Until further notice, the Commission on Aging meetings will be held in a virtual format via Webex. For information on how to join and participate in a commission Webex meeting, please visit https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings

The presenters include:

• Hilaree Prepula, Community and Social Services Manager, Vancouver Housing Authority
• Clara Johnson, Resident Services Coordinator, REACH
• Kate Budd, Executive Director, Council for the Homeless

In addition to the housing discussion, the Commission on Aging will be presenting its first annual Silver Citizen Award to Evelyn Hallett and honorable mention certificates to eight other individuals. The commission established the Silver Citizen Award program to recognize older adults who go above and beyond in service.

The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members. For more about the commission, please visit www.clark.wa.gov/aging.

CONTACT:
Jacqui Kamp, Community Planning
564.397.4913, jacqui.kamp@clark.wa.gov
Jenna Kay, Community Planning
564.397.4968, jenna.kay@clark.wa.gov