Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2023 theme is Aging Unbound, which offers an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes.[1]
When OAM was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing. A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.”[2]
OAM recognizes the contributions of older adults across the nation. While raising families and building careers, older Americans also gave back to their communities in a variety of ways. In their lifetime, times have changed and they continue to volunteer and serve their neighborhoods in their own ways. Whether they mentor children, volunteer at a soup kitchen, or serve their country, each one deserves recognition for their commitment.[3]
In honor of OAM, CCM is spotlighting CRA Partners and an impact investment providing seniors with a safe and affordable place to live.
- CRA Partners: CRA Partners is a turnkey CRA compliance program powered by the Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation (SHCPF). SHCPF operates Senior Crimestoppers, a nationwide crime prevention program educating and safeguarding against theft, abuse, and neglect. The SHCPF mission is to provide protection and an enhanced quality of life for vulnerable senior housing residents through meaningful turnkey Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) compliance for community focused banks. CCM supports their mission via charitable donations that help senior housing facilities nationwide.
- CCM Impact Story Supporting Seniors: Vintage Court Senior Apartments is an affordable housing property for seniors and people with disabilities in Union City, California (Alameda County) with 125 units. Under a regulatory agreement with the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC), all 124 residential units are reserved for residents with incomes at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI) for 30 years. The property is in a high-minority census tract where 88% of the population are minorities. Vintage Court is a community of garden-style apartments that offers quick access to shopping, dining, and entertainment via a nearby Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station. Community amenities include a swimming pool, clubhouse, business center, TV lounge, spa, outdoor seating areas, and group exercise classes. Individual apartments are wheelchair accessible and feature energy-efficient appliances and a private balcony or patio. Utilities are included in the rent, which helps residents keep their expenses predictable.
[1] https://acl.gov/oam/2023/older-americans-month-2023
[2] https://acl.gov/oam/history
[3] https://nationaldaycalendar.com/older-americans-month-may/