The city of Austin has been a member of theAARP online grid of Age-Friendly States and Communitiessince 2012.
In 2019, Austin hired its first age-friendly program coordinator to guide the plans implementation.
The city provides free, accessible transportation options so older residents can participate.
The kits include masks, hand sanitizer and information about flu shots and COVID-19 testing.
Commissioners Bordie, Angel and Garcia-Pittman participate in the action plan work groups.
We’ll need new partnerships to make the projects come to life.
We’ve been drilling down to get data for the neighborhoods in most need.
Garcia-Pittman adds: We focus on policies and programs that will work for the most vulnerable populations.
Iftheyare taken care of,everyonewill be successful."
Their perspectives have been part of our work from the beginning.
Ultimately a lot of folks are vulnerable, and intersectionality is real.
It helps when we coordinate with others to support our shared aims.
We can do this because the city is creating more flexibility in its funding programs.
New organizations are eligible, and applications are easier.
This has made a real difference for advancing equity.
Adds Garcia-Pittman: Im proud of how much direct feedback weve gotten from diverse residents throughout the city.
Angel says the city is ensuring that partnerships are supporting seniors with the greatest needs.
It speaks to the collaborative effort we’re taking to ensure that we are equitably serving Austins seniors.
Reported by Mary Kay Bailey | Fall 2020 | Population data from theU.S.
