Vignettes/Quotes

Alternative Living for the Aging (ALA) provides safe, affordable housing alternatives for low-income older people - alternatives to living alone and to institutionalization, Through our free Preinterviewed Housemated Matching Program and Cooperative Apartment Community Program, ALA has introduced a new way of life to low-income seniors who need assistance. Here are some of their thoughts and stories:

"This is a unique place to live because my neighbors are more than that; they're more than an extended family. I feel very safe and secure in my new home. Also my children can sleep at night knowing that I am surrounded by people who care."

"If we can't help each other, what can we do?"

Muriel moved into ALA's El Greco Courtyard Apartment the first day it opened on December 31, 1986. She says: "ALA is my family. I don't know what I'd do without ALA. I have a great apartment in a great community with great neighbors. What else could I ask for?

ALA's seniors say:

"She has short arms and I have long arms and it helps. She doesn't hear very well and I don't see very well, so between the two of us, we make one pretty good woman."

"Since I moved into Coop I, I don't fear dying alone."

"The El Greco residents are my family. Living in this building gives me strength."

"Once I had moved and was settled in, I realized my surroundings were so much more than an apartment. I was living in a community with people my own age in an affordable, safe environment where everything has been done to make aging a joy."

 "This place is an oasis in a social desert."

Christine, who had worked for over 30 years as a domestic, came to ALA because the building she lived in for 10 years was sold.The new owner raised the rent so high that Christine could no longer afford to live there. After moving into an ALA Community, Christine said: "I'm not able to describe to you the joy and the pride of being able to live an independent lifestyle on my low income surrounded by people who are my peers."

"ALA is an angel in my life."

When a resident was recovering from eye surgery: "I have to put eye drops in every day, I really appreciate my neighbor helping me. It's really nice having a housemate who happens to have 30 years experience as a nurse."

"ALA is truly a blessing to me."


"My housemates are like a second family."

Joe, an 84 year old man came into the ALA Service Center looking for a housemate. Joe had lived in his house for 35 years and had been widowed for about a year. Joe said he was looking to share his house because he feels so lonesome in the evening. He wanted companionship.

Gabe, a 79 year old man, came to ALA looking for affordable housing. Gabe needed something affordable right away and wanted to find a good person to live with. ALA's Housing Counselor introduced Joe to Gabe. Joe says that he and Gabe do things together and they do things separately as well. Joe says he is much happier having Gabe there than living alone. Gabe says that all is well and he and Joe are pleased. Gabe says they each have their quirks, but couldn't be happier housemates.

Laney (97), a widowed woman, had lived in her home for more than 50 years. Abel (57) came to ALA looking for affordable housing. Abel had one month to find a new situation. Abel was an in-home health aide and was looking for a housemate situation where he could help someone.

ALA's Housing Counselor introduced Laney to Abel and they have been roommates since 2002. Laney says that Abel is a very nice person and she enjoys having him around. Laney adds that Abel is a wonderful cook and they often eat together and take turns cooking. Laney says that Abel is very caring and is patient with her since she is very hard of hearing. Abel says he feels fortunate to have found a nice situation and appreciates having a housemate.

Over time, Laney's needs have changed-so she reduced the rent and Abel helps with more things around the house. Laney says "We get along just fine - we're very friendly." Laney says she has truly grown to appreciate having Abel as a housemate after having been alone since her husband died-she feels more secure, particularly in the evenings.

Sarah (83) had been living in a rented 2 bedroom apartment for 34 years and didn't want to live alone any longer-because she was getting very lonely. Sarah's daughter also wanted her mother to have someone with her in the apartment at night.

Sarah met Maria (77) through an ALA referral. Sarah and Maria got along very well - Maria helps Sarah by making dinners that they enjoy together and Maria accompanies Sarah on appointments.

Rebecca, Sarah's daughter, said that she feels like "someone has taken 500 pounds off of me." Rebecca said that she "hit the jackpot" with Maria. Sarah said that Maria is "a wonderful person." Maria said that she is "very happy" in her new home.