HRDC now fundraising to bridge budget gap for senior assistance programs
EBS STAFF
Many southwest Montana seniors aged 55 years and older, especially those living on fixed incomes, may face unfair burdens due to the rising cost of living in Gallatin, Park and Meagher counties.
The primary economic pressures are “sky high rents, a crisis-level lack of affordable housing, inflation, high medical costs, and the state’s recent Medicaid unwinding challenges,” according to a March 26 press release from Bozeman’s Human Resource Development Council. The nonprofit is seeing an increase in community members seeking support, near or after retirement.
“So many of our customers are at their financial breaking points where there is no possible way to stretch their fixed incomes to cover basic household expenses,” Margaret Mason, HRDC associate director and senior programs manager, stated in the release. “We step up and help with monthly groceries, energy assistance, public transportation options, Medicare counseling, and more. Yet, with next to no reasonably priced places to live, our previously self-sufficient customers in their 60s, 70s, and 80s are finding themselves in very precarious circumstances.”
HRDC is working to raise $50,000 to support a budget gap in senior programs. Over the past year, HRDC provided services to 1,848 individuals including 145 seniors experiencing homelessness, an all-time high. Seniors over the age of 55 are likely the fastest-growing group of people experiencing homelessness, often for the first time, according to AARP.
“As a community, it’s imperative that we continue to work together to deploy long-term solutions to reduce these numbers. In the meantime, anyone who shares our concerns can help change the trajectory of someone’s life by donating to our senior programs. Truly, any amount helps,” Mason stated. HRDC will host a bingo night to fundraise for senior programs on Thursday, March 28 at 6 p.m. at the Kimpton Armory Hotel in Bozeman. Tickets are on sale online, and will include six rounds of bingo and dinner.
