Early this year, Christina S., Senior Case Manager with the Hope Solutions Adult Protective Services (APS) team, received a referral that immediately stood out from the usual caseload. The client was Rosalie*, a 97-year-old woman just weeks away from her 98th birthday.
Rosalie, a petite and impeccably dressed woman with a gentle New York accent, has lived a remarkable life. Her career in immigration law, world travels, and even a meeting with the Pope speak to a lifetime of achievement and adventure. For over 40 years, she has resided in the same Pleasant Hill apartment, supported by her son. However, her son, now in his 70s, was no longer able to provide financial assistance, and their savings had been depleted. With only a fixed income to rely on, Rosalie, nearly 100 years old, faced the imminent threat of homelessness.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Christina leveraged her experience in supporting low-income seniors and reached out to an affordable senior housing community. After a property tour, Rosalie was quickly approved for a unit. However, she was ineligible for financial support from Christina’s program. Facing deposit, first month’s rent, and moving costs, she paused and quietly said, “Well, that’s too bad—I don’t have the money for that.”
Determined to find a solution, Christina collaborated with her program manager and connected with colleagues at Hope Solutions. Together, the team determined she was eligible for another Hope Solutions program which could cover these costs. The news was delivered during a meeting at the Hope Solutions office, where Rosalie, overwhelmed with relief, broke down in tears.
By March, Rosalie had settled into her new home. Today, you can find her in her lovely apartment enjoying community coffee hour, playing bingo, and collecting her Trader Joe’s groceries on Friday afternoons. Her story is a testament to the creativity and persistence of Hope Solutions staff and our vital role in preventing homelessness among vulnerable seniors.
In 2024, the Hope Solutions APS team successfully housed 142 individuals, each one as special as Rosalie.
*Client name changed to respect privacy