Essaibi George, Wu Outline Visions For Boston Seniors in Online Forum
Brighton, MA – October 28, 2021 – Boston mayoral candidates Annissa Essaibi George and Michelle Wu outlined their visions for the city’s growing senior population during a lively online forum Wednesday afternoon. A video of the forum can be viewed at www.visionforbostonseniors.com.
The event, moderated by 2Life Communities President and CEO Amy Schectman and Rogerson Communities President and CEO Walter J. Ramos, included videotaped questions from members of affordable housing organizations across the city. In total, more than 20 organizations partnered together to host the event and get both candidates on the record about their plans and commitments for Boston’s seniors with less than a week until the election.
The forum touched on issues of affordable housing, transportation and accessibility, labor shortages in senior care and how environmental issues, especially pollution, affect those living in communities of color.
“Housing is the foundation of so much of what we’re talking about,” said Wu, in response to a question on how to make housing more affordable for seniors. “Right away, I will ensure that we are putting $200 million of our federal relief funds to housing stability and boosting home ownership.”
Essaibi George said she also supports dedicating that amount in federal relief dollars to housing. She called for increased funding for down payment assistance and spoke about the importance of keeping seniors in the communities they have helped build.
On accessibility to public transportation, Essaibi George stressed critical infrastructure repairs and delivering basic city services like shoveling ramps and sidewalks to help seniors get the transportation they need. “It’s also important that we are looking at the appropriate subsidies for our older residents and those that are on limiting income so that they can access public transit and utilize the T in a more affordable way,” she stated.
“You can count on me to be a big partner,” Wu said on the question of accessibility for seniors. “I ride the T [and] I am all in when it comes to working with the MBTA and ensuring that from The Ride to access, we are taking care of transportation issues with what we can do at the city level.”
In a lighter moment at the end of the forum, both candidates were asked what they hoped to be doing when they reached 80 years old.
“It’s no secret that I love to dance,” Essaibi George said, adding that she hopes to remain active and engaged in the community. “It’s also no secret that I’m an avid knitter and crafter and hope to continue to share that craft with others throughout the rest of my life.”
Wu talked about looking forward to being a grandparent one day. “I will be happily playing piano, attending community meetings and walking in our parks and open spaces,” Wu said. “And enjoying the city that we’ve managed to steer onto a pathway that has a sound, stable and prosperous future ahead for everyone.
About 2Life Communities
2Life Communities, a nonprofit organization founded in 1965, operates on the belief that all seniors should have the opportunity to live a full life of connection and purpose in a dynamic, supportive environment – a model called aging in community, which directly combats the growing public health crisis of social isolation and loneliness amongst older adults. At 2Life Communities, residents can step out the doors of their own apartments and find friendship, community, physical and intellectual stimulation, and a helping hand day or night. Serving a diverse population of over 1,530 older adults, 2Life creates communities with a laser sharp focus on affordability – a tremendous concern in Massachusetts, the state with the 2nd largest gap in the U.S. between seniors’ median income and the cost of living.
About Rogerson Communities
Rogerson Communities focuses solely on "Senior Living” creating communities where elders thrive. The Rogerson Model incorporates supportive housing and healthcare to help seniors and their families find solutions to aging strong in their community, providing a sense of dignity across all income levels. Often this means finding housing that is affordable. With 30 properties and programs under management, this non-profit offers every aspect of Senior Living: affordable housing; independent and retirement living; assisted living; memory care; continuing care communities; as well as adult day health programs. Programs are staffed by dedicated caregivers who foster a culture of community and maintain the high quality care that is Rogerson’s hallmark. Properties are located throughout Greater Boston and stretch west to Worcester and south to Weymouth. For more information: www.Rogerson.org
Media Contact:
David Tanklefsky
dtanklefsky@thecastlegrp.com
617-763-0510
