FEBRUARY 2019
P.02 IT’S TAX TIME!
P.03 LET’S DANCE!
Relax! The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide’s team of IRS-certified volunteers are here to help!
Come dancing every Thursday afternoon. Keep fit, make friends and have fun!
P.04-5 WHAT’S HAPPENING? Over 60 classes and events to choose from! Use this easy guide to find your interests.
THE CHANGING FACE OF HOMELESSNESS
THE FACE OF THE HOMELESS POPULATION IS CHANGING – IT IS GETTING OLDER. For the first time, people age 50 years and older make up more than 30% of the nation’s homeless population. We see this trend in Fremont, too. The City of Fremont’s Winter Shelter has had 250 different people sleep overnight, eat a warm meal, and access a shower since it opened in November 2018 and 41% were over the age of 50 years. A recent survey showed that almost half of older homeless individuals became homeless for the first time after 50 years of age and have difficulty adjusting to a homeless life. These are people who lost their job or partner and eventually lost their home. Homeless people of all ages suffer from the effects of poor nutrition, limited health care and high stress. But the majority of older homeless adults also struggle to manage chronic health conditions, pain and falls. Some are veterans and have additional emotional stressors. The Human Services Department has hired a Homeless Intervention Specialist and the City has purchased a mobile hygiene unit (with showers and laundry) which will be deployed at different locations throughout the City. The Winter Shelter which will operate through March 15 at the Teen Center has added medical support through Tri-City Health to better meet the needs of the homeless, especially older people in our shelter. 510.790.6600 www.fremont.gov/seniorcenter /FremontSeniorCenter seniorcenter@fremont.gov
Hours Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Office hours 8am-3pm