Publication of Pima Council on Aging, Helping Pima County Age Well Since 1967
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THIS ISSUE Essential and Unseen........ 1 Housing Crisis Facing Older Adults . . . . . 2 Hidden Hunger . . . 4 Shocking Shift in Aging Services . . . . 5 We Need YourVoice . . . . . . 6 How PCOA is Responding . . . . . . 7 What You Can Do toHelp........ 7
Essential and Unseen: How Your Support Protects Older Adults in Times of Change Dear reader, Older adults in Pima County are facing real challenges. The cost of housing keeps climbing. Food insecurity is rising quietly in our neighborhoods. And just this month, a major shift in federal aging services created new uncertainty about how essential programs will be funded and supported. In this special edition of The Sterling , we want to show you what’s really happening—and how, with your support, PCOA is stepping in to meet the moment. Each article brings you closer to the heart of the issue: a safe home, a full plate, and a stable future. We are honored to do this work with you by our side. This moment calls for more than concern. It calls for compassion, courage, and commitment. That’s what you bring. You’ve shown up when it matters most—for the thousands of older adults who count on us to help them stay safe, fed, and seen. Thank you for being a part of something essential and unseen. With gratitude, The Philanthropy Team at Pima Council on Aging
The Housing Crisis Facing Older Adults in Pima County
“Sleeping in my car during the Tucson summer nearly broke me. Thanks to PCOA, I have a safe place to live, my cat is back with me,
In Pima County, thousands of older adults are living on the edge. Housing costs keep going up but fixed incomes stay the same. This means more and more people are struggling to afford rent, pay their utility bills, and keep their homes safe. Today, over 60% of older renters in our community are considered “cost-burdened” —they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. That leaves little money for food, medicine, or transportation.
and I finally had the surgery I needed.”
— Jordan, age 75
In just one year, rents in Tucson jumped by more than 18%.
At the same time, the number of people over age 65 continues to grow. Since 2010, more than 5,900 older adults have been added to our community every year. In just one year, rents in Tucson jumped by more than 18% —faster than the national average—putting even more pressure on older adults with fixed incomes. For some, the challenge becomes a crisis. In last year’s count of people experiencing homelessness, 141 were aged 65 or older. Almost half were living
without any shelter at all. How PCOA Is Helping
At PCOA, we are working every day to prevent homelessness, support stability, and help older adults live safely in the places they call home.
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Because of generous donors like you, we’re able to step in before a housing crisis turns into homelessness or forced institutional care. Many older adults want to remain in the homes they’ve lived in for decades, but rising costs, safety hazards, or unexpected repairs can make that impossible without support. Thanks to you, we can: • Make urgent home repairs and install safety features like grab bars, ramps, and cooler repairs • Help older adults avoid eviction through case management and emergency assistance • Support caregivers who may be housing a loved one with complex needs • Advocate for more affordable, accessible housing options for older adults Why It Matters When we talk with older adults facing housing trouble, the fear is real — fear of losing the place that holds a lifetime of memories, of being forced into unfamiliar settings, or of simply not knowing what comes next. But so is the relief when help arrives. A repaired roof, an installed ramp, averted eviction — these are not just services. They are lifelines. Stable housing isn’t just about four walls and a roof. It’s about health. Safety. Dignity. And the ability to age in the place one calls home, surrounded by community. For too many in our community, securing housing is only the first hurdle. The next quiet struggle is just as critical: having enough to eat. Since 2010, more than 5,900 older adults have been added to our community every year.
In 2022 over 31,000 older adults in Pima County were food insecure.
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The Hidden Hunger: Facing Food Insecurity in Later Life For many older adults in Pima County, hunger doesn’t look like what you might expect. • It’s the neighbor who quietly skips meals to make a prescription last. • The grandmother who waters down soup to stretch it for another day. • The veteran who doesn’t ask for help—because he doesn’t want to be a burden. This is the reality of food insecurity among older adults in our community.
“The meals helped me recover from surgery and regain strength. For a long time, I didn’t feel like myself. But I’m starting to now.” — Ari, age 78
In 2022, more than 14% of Pima County residents were food insecure—higher than both the state and national averages. More than 31,000 older adults in our community are food insecure—roughly the population of Sahuarita. About 1 in 3 older adults in Pima County live near or below the poverty line. What’s Behind the Numbers Rising food prices and fixed incomes don’t mix. About 1 in 3 older adults in Pima County live near or below the poverty line. For many, it becomes a painful choice:
• Groceries or medicine? • Rent or fresh vegetables? • Bus fare or breakfast?
When nutritious food becomes a luxury, it puts older adults at risk for serious health problems—like diabetes, heart disease, and depression. How PCOA Makes a Difference At Pima Council on Aging, we believe no one should go hungry.
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Your support helps us: • Deliver hot, healthy meals to homebound older adults through Pima Meals on Wheels • Provide congregate lunches at sites where older adults can eat, connect, and feel supported • Advocate for policies that protect and expand food programs for older adults For some, it’s the only meal they’ll eat that day. It’s more than food—it’s connection. It’s care. It’s hope. Every meal you help provide says, “You matter. You’re not alone. You are part of this community.” PCOA is proud to be a steady hand—delivering meals, comfort, and care. But now, we face a larger challenge that could disrupt how programs like these are funded and supported. A Shocking Shift in Aging Services—And Why Your Support Matters Now On April 1, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced major changes to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the federal agency that supports aging programs nationwide. All regional ACL offices were closed, and about half of the agency’s staff were let go.
These teams have guided programs older adults rely on—like Meals on Wheels, senior centers, and caregiver support. After public concern, federal officials shared plans to restore a portion of positions. However, details remain limited, and it’s unclear how services will be affected long term. With no stated plan going forward, there’s growing concern about support for older adults here in Pima County.
At the same time, some budget proposals in Congress could reduce funding for Medicaid, SNAP, and the Social Services Block Grant—all essential to helping older adults maintain health and independence. Medicaid—known in Arizona as the
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Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS)—is especially critical. Many assume Medicare covers long-term care, but it doesn’t. In fact, 62% of older adults in long-term care facilities rely on Medicaid. The people responsible for distributing and managing funds are suddenly gone. While federal support remains uncertain, your support provides stability when it’s needed most. With your help, we can continue to meet the needs of older adults in our community. After strong public pushback, HHS announced plans to reverse about 20% of the layoffs—but it’s unknown which programs or staff will return. No plan has been shared to protect services funded by the Older Americans Act—especially nutrition programs. Why This Matters in Pima County The Older Americans Act helps fund services older adults in our community rely on every day: • Meals for people who can’t shop or cook • Home repairs to make aging in place safer • Rides to medical appointments • Support for caregivers and people with disabilities This funding flows from Congress through ACL to the state—and then to agencies like PCOA. But with ACL’s infrastructure gutted, there’s growing risk of confusion, delays, and service gaps. Even though funding is approved through September 2025, the people who manage those funds are suddenly gone. That puts essential services in limbo. What Happens Next—and Why Your Voice is Needed Even as this year’s funding is sorted out, next year’s budget is already being debated on Capitol Hill. Congress is setting priorities right now for 2026—and they need to hear from people like you.
Congress is setting priorities for 2026—they need to hear from people like you.
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USAging and other national advocates are urging Congress to not only protect but increase funding for programs under the OOA, especially: • Title III B – Supportive Services (like transportation and in-home help) • Title VI – Native American Aging Programs • Title III E – National Family Caregiver Support Program Why? Because demand is growing, needs are more complex, and workforce shortages are making it harder than ever for older adults to get help. How PCOA Is Responding We’re not waiting to see what happens— we’re acting now. Thanks to your support, PCOA is: • Continuing critical programs that help thousands of older adults stay safe, fed, and supported • Working with statewide and national partners to advocate for stability and clarity • Raising our voice to ensure that older adults and caregivers remain a national priority—even when the systems behind the scenes are shifting Our message is clear: Pima County’s older adults are counting on us. And we are here for them. What You Can Do Today Your support makes all the difference in moments like this. From housing to hunger to harmful policy proposals, older adults are facing new and growing challenges. But one thing
Because of you... Someone will eat today. Someone will stay in their home. Someone will feel safe.
hasn’t changed— your ability to help. Here’s how you can take action today:
• Give to protect the essential services older adults rely on • Share this message with someone who cares about aging in our community • Get updates and speak out at advocate.pcoa.org • Raise your voice for Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, and programs that protect dignity and independence by contacting your congress person • Share your story to help policymakers understand what’s at stake: pcoa.org/shareyourstory • Coming in June: Where We Are Today Town Halls Visit pcoa.org and watch for updates and details.
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8467 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85710-4009
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Your Philanthropy Team is Here for You! Please feel free to contact us – we’d love to hear from you!
Legacy Giving For many of us, as we age we consider how to leave a lasting legacy for our community. By leaving Pima Council on Aging in your will, you can provide critical assistance for older adults in need. Please visit legacygiving.pcoa.org to find out more!
Sarah Spearman VP, Philanthropy & Communications 520.790.7573 ext 5043 sspearman@pcoa.org Sara Mathis Development Director 520.790.7573 ext 5042 smathis@pcoa.org
Jan Slonaker Development Assistant jslonaker@pcoa.org Halley Torres Grant Manager htorres@pcoa.org
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