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ENSURING SENIORS ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

Even when the unexpected happens.

ENSURING SENIORS ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

Even when the unexpected happens.

    TOGETHER, WE CAN PROTECT OUR MOST VULNERABLE SENIORS WHEN DISASTER STRIKES

    Any situation that disrupts a regularly scheduled delivery from a Meals on Wheels volunteer can be frightening for a homebound senior who might not know when their next meal will arrive. And, prolonged isolation caused by serious emergencies or disasters in the community could have devastating impact on their health and well-being.

    That’s why Meals on Wheels America supports initiatives that ensure local Meals on Wheels programs have the capacity to respond to seniors' needs during disaster and emergency situations. They know where the most vulnerable and at-risk seniors live and can make sure they have access to proper nutrition and are checked on by a friendly, trusted volunteer.

    Together, we can help ensure that no senior is left feeling isolated or hungry when disaster strikes.

    CLOSING THE GAP BETWEEN PREPAREDNESS AND IMPACT

    Senior preparedness        




    VS.

    Impact

    Sources: Rosenkoetter, M. M., Covan, E. K., Cobb, B. K., Bunting, S. and Weinrich, M. (2007), Perceptions of Older Adults Regarding Evacuation in the Event of a Natural Disaster. Public Health Nursing, 24: 160–168. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1446.2007.00620.x; Al-rousan Tala M., Rubenstein, L. M., & Wallace, R. B. (2014). Preparedness for Natural Disasters Among Older US Adults: A Nationwide Survey. American Journal of Public Health, 104(3), 506–511. http://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2013.301559

    THE BEGINNING OF OUR EMERGENCY & DISASTER RELIEF INITIATIVE

    WORKING WITH FEMA TO APPLY LESSONS LEARNED FROM HURRICANE KATRINA

    In 2008, after more than 1,000 older adults died as a result of Hurricane Katrina, FEMA and Homeland Security reached out to Meals on Wheels America to establish a partnership that would enable life-saving plans to be set for times of emergency. The senior population was hit the hardest during the Katrina tragedy due in large part to emergency response workers not knowing where the homebound elderly lived.

    This partnership resulted in an Emergency Response Handbook, designed to prepare local Meals on Wheels programs with the planning curriculum and skills necessary to keep their seniors safe. It also spurred our continued commitment to providing education and funding support for programs for years to come.
    Senior Emergency Disaster

    HOW MEALS ON WHEELS IS PROTECTING OUR NATION'S SENIORS

    EMERGENCY RESPONSE GRANT FUND
    SUPPORTS MEALS ON WHEELS RESPONSE 

    Many seniors rely solely on the courage and compassion of their local Meals on Wheels program staff and volunteers to deliver hope in times of unimaginable crisis. Our Emergency Response Grant Fund provides funding support to local programs to help them better serve their seniors in emergency and disaster situations.

    Here’s some of the ways they’ve used the funding:

    • Shelter for displaced seniors
    • Medication
    • Emergency and shelf-stable meals
    • General emergency supplies
    • Replenishing food after a power outage

    senior emergency blizzard

    ARC_Logo_Bttn_Vert_RGB

    The American Red Cross name and logo are registered trademarks owned by The American National Red Cross and used with its permission.

    MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA PARTNERS WITH
    THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

    This joint national initiative ensures that homebound seniors are prepared for disasters and accounted for during the recovery and relief process. Local Meals on Wheels programs and American Red Cross chapters are working together to make sure that no senior is left feeling isolated or hungry by taking the following steps:

    • Conducting emergency preparedness activities in their communities, including fire safety campaigns, response drills and exercises
    • Acting as referral points for the location of homebound individuals during disaster response and recovery and assisting with feeding and meal delivery when possible

    Meals on Wheels America is proud to partner with the American Red Cross and its local chapters. You can find a link to the full press release on the partnership here.

    OUR SUPPORT HELPS MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAMS STAY PREPARED

     
    “Last winter was particularly difficult. On six separate days, weather conditions resulted in unsafe roads and meal delivery had to be cancelled. By providing seniors with extra meals to have on hand if their driver cannot come, we can reduce the anxiety fueled by the 24 hour news coverage of bad weather."     - Minuteman Senior Services, Bedford, MA

    “Meals on Wheels [emergency] funding is a life-saver for seniors in our home-delivered meals program who often face [the threat of] hunger when snow and other emergencies make meal delivery unsafe or otherwise not possible. With this grant, 188 seniors will receive two additional meals, helping us to be better prepared for the potential of multi-day emergency events.” - Springwell, Waltham, MA

    Because we can't predict emergencies, the Emergency Response Grant Fund is a lifeline to our Member programs and the seniors they serve. If you're interested in partnering with us to provide much-needed funding and/or in-kind support, please reach out to development@mealsonwheelsamerica.org for more information.

    HELP SENIORS STAY SAFE

    ENSURE THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

    VOLUNTEER