In the spring 2017 edition of Sound Generations’ quarterly newsletter, Positive Aging (available for download here), we shared the story of 61 year-old Abdoul Aboulhouda–a regular at our Community Partner Site, Lake City Seniors.
At the time of the story, Abdoul was living in shelters. Like many seniors experiencing homelessness, he struggled to navigate the complex system of housing resources for months.
Unfortunately, it was not the first time in his life he’d faced homelessness. When he was nine years old living in Morocco, his parents unexpectedly left him to fend for himself. He lived on the streets, worked at a glass factory, and within several years was paying his own rent. After moving to the U.S., he worked as a chef. Still, life was not without its hardships as he struggled with alcoholism and dealt with prejudice.
Through the Lake City program, Abdoul was able to get help applying for housing from Alain Rhone–an advocate with Sound Generations’ Pathways Information & Assistance program. Though the first few options he applied for did not accept him, Abdoul eventually found stable housing using a Section 8 voucher.
In addition to helping with housing, Lake City Seniors has given Abdoul a friendly, welcoming place to enjoy a nutritious lunch during the week.
“Since I started coming a couple months ago, I’ve started feeling different,” Abdoul said. “I’m not lonely. I feel like I’m part of something positive.”
Abdoul is one of hundreds of older adults who come to Sound Generations every month for help meeting basic needs such as food and shelter. Support from our loyal donors, corporate partners, and funders enables our staff to provide them with expert assistance and personalized guidance so that they can age with dignity.
Lake City Seniors provides weekly programs for seniors at Lake City Community Center in partnership with Hunger Intervention Program, Sea Mar, and Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Lifelong Recreation Program.
Check out lakecityseniors.org to find a wide variety of art and fitness classes, social activities, health screenings and other resources.