Merced, the COVID-19 Response Fund, and Ms. McFarland
Merced was one of ten nonprofits to receive the first wave of grants from the San Antonio Area Foundation/United Way COVID-19 Response Fund. This grant included one hundred $250 debit cards that Merced could provide for residents with the greatest needs. These could be applied to utilities, rent, food, or anything that the families and older adults might need most during the COVID-19 pandemic. Doris McFarland was one Artisan at Willow Springs resident who benefited from the gift card distribution.
About the gift card, Ms. McFarland says, “It helped me in a lot of ways. If they could help me again, I would appreciate it. I know I’m not the only one in America, but I’d appreciate it greatly.”
According to the National Council on Aging, “Over 25 million Americans aged 60 and older are economically insecure—living at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.”
With the rise in housing and health-care bills, lack of access to transportation and adequate nutrition, and financial burdens such as job loss and diminished savings, older adults are struggling to meet their needs. Ms. McFarland has been living at Artisan at Willow Springs Apartments since the beginning of 2020. As a young girl, Ms. McFarland enjoyed gathering art supplies and paint. Less than a month from turning 77, Ms. McFarland still loves art.
Through the Supportive Services Program, Merced provides direct support for low-income individuals and families by providing crucial one-on-one support. Resident Services Coordinators (RSCs) help residents navigate complex health care systems, search for employment and manage their finances. RSCs connect them to community resources that fit their individual needs.
About Ms. McFarland, Willow Springs RSC DeeAnn says, “She needed assistance with food but also a recliner chair to be able to get out of her wheelchair and sit in the living room.” DeeAnn has gotten to know residents like Ms. McFarland over the past four years. DeeAnn adds fondly, “She [Ms. McFarland] insisted to greet me at my truck all pretty for a photo with me.”
When talking with Ms. McFarland on the phone one morning, it felt as if one were meeting with her over coffee in her home. She shared that among her other needs was a pushcart for her groceries because she currently struggles to take groceries to her apartment in her wheelchair. And to help make her apartment more of a home, Ms. McFarland hopes to one day have a kitchen table with chairs where she can truly welcome those in for a warm and interesting conversation.
To find out how you can help older adults in need like Ms. McFarland, click here.
—Larissa Hernandez, Merced Housing Texas