Sacramento Senior Safe House
Sacramento Senior Safe House: A refuge for abused, neglected seniors
After a decade-long gestation, the Sacramento Senior Safe House – a safe and comfortable refuge for abused and neglected seniors – opened in 2009.
The men and women who are coming to the Sacramento Senior Safe House are referred to the home by Sacramento County Adult Protective Services, among many other community partners. Before the safe house's opening, APS staff were forced to place clients in less-than-ideal temporary quarters, including motels and hospitals.
"They're the forgotten population," said Elizabeth Foster-Ward, manager of Sacramento County APS. "We've found seniors living in a shed in the back yard and they're paying rent to live in this substandard, unlivable situation."
Such are the real-life horror stories that prompted Maxine Milner Krugman's 10-year crusade to help Volunteers of America establish the Sacramento Senior Safe House. The six-bedroom haven for abused and neglected seniors became reality thanks to Krugman and project partners Mercy Housing California, HomeAid Sacramento and Lennar.
Construction of the six-bedroom, 4,783-square-foot Sacramento Senior Safe House began in January 2009, and was completed six months later.
"Of course, the safety of an abused or neglected senior is most important, but let there be no doubt that spending a little time in the Sacramento Senior Safe House should be a boost to self esteem, and remind these folks that they are worthy and deserving of respect," said Krugman, a former chair of Sacramento County's Adult and Aging Commission, and long-time senior advocate.
Providing the kind of healing atmosphere Krugman envisioned is Sacramento Senior Safe House Program Director Juanita Daniel, who calls her position of aiding abused, neglected and exploited seniors "a privilege."
Abused and neglected seniors 62 and older receive 30 days of shelter at the Sacramento Senior Safe House, which is distinguished from other emergency shelter options by its home-like environment.
Volunteers of America is working toward sustainable revenue to cover the program's $300,000 annual operating budget.
To contribute to this much-needed program, call 916.442.3691, or go to our online donation page. You may also contribute much-needed items found on the safe house wish list.
To volunteer, please review our volunteer opportunities page, or contact Community Relations Manager Abbie Hartsell at ahartsell@voa-ncnn.org, or 916.442.3691.
With a gift of $550, you can provide one day of shelter, food, case management, socialization, friendship, love and respect for six seniors in need at the Sacramento Senior Safe House. Consider making it an annual tradition as a special way to commemorate a birthday or honor the memory of a loved one.
To make a contribution, contact Christie Holderegger at (916) 442-3691, or choleregger@voa-ncnn.org