NEIGHBORS CARE ALLIANCE Senior Pride’s Community Cares Program Supports LGBTQI+ Older Adults By Harrison Orr, SASP Communications Coordinator
passion of our volunteers, supporters, staff, and community. Program Coordinator Ryder Rodgers states, “We are facing a greater need than ever in our community. With limited support services, LGBTQI+ older adults are facing isolation, housing and food insecurity, and healthcare discrimination at significantly elevated rates. Our volunteers provide crucial support to our recipients, instilling in them a sense of belonging and safety.” ◆ Those who are interested in becoming a CCP recipient or volunteer can apply online at soazseniorpride.org/ programs/health-and-wellbeing/ community-cares-tucson/ Questions can be directed to Program Coordinator Ryder Rodgers at ccp@soazeseniorpride.org or by phone at (520) 351-2724. FOR MORE INFORMATION visit nca.pcoa.org or call Christina Walker, PCOA Volunteer Services Program Manager at (520) 258-5062. Does your neighborhood have an informal neighbors-helping-neighbors program that would benefit from support? If not, would you like to learn how you can start one?
Southern Arizona Senior Pride has supported the older LGBTQI+ community in Tucson and surrounding areas since 2004. LGBTQI+ older adults are twice as likely to live alone and are much less likely to have support from family as they age than other older adults. They also face unique challenges due to stigma and discrimination in healthcare and assisted living settings. Recognizing the need to help LGBTQI+ older adults thrive at home or in care facilities, Senior Pride launched its Community Cares Program (CCP) in 2017. Originally offering friendly phone calls and visits, the program now provides a host of additional supportive services to both LGBTQI+ older adults and their caregivers. These services include transportation to appointments and activities, light home maintenance and housekeeping, pet care, running errands, and caregiver relief. A cohort of 27 volunteers serve 30 recipients.
Volunteer Susan visits recipient, John.
With the introduction of a CCP emergency fund in 2025, the program has been able to provide critical financial support to recipients facing potential eviction and other dire situations. The Program Coordinator for CCP provides case management to those affected by housing and economic insecurity, connecting recipients to crucial resources, services, and housing. One recipient reflects, “CCP is a necessary program sponsored by Senior Pride... it gives me hope to get through these hard times.” Through a concerted effort between volunteers and staff, CCP was recently able to help prevent several recipients from becoming homeless, connecting them to access to food, housing, and emergency funds. All of this is made possible by the dedication and
Volunteers Kate and Red pack a recipient’s belongings as she prepares to move into an independent living facility.
Page 20 | May & June 2026, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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