Through federal Older Americans Act funding, Trellis supports home and community-based services that help older adults meet basic needs and live stable and secure lives. These services help people with low incomes and those facing other disparities in the seven-county metro area. The formula for distributing OAA funds across Minnesota is currently being debated. Add your voice to the Minnesota Board on Aging Request for Comment on the Intrastate Funding Formula to ensure an equitable formula for metro older adults.
Ben Achaki is a veteran who moved to Minnesota after being evicted from his California apartment. He grew up in Saint Paul and has a sister who lives there. It had been four months since he arrived at Minnehaha Commons, a Touchstone Mental Health housing facility, and he appreciates how much his life had changed since he moved in.
Living unhoused
Before coming to Minnehaha Commons, Ben was homeless, drifting from one place to another and spending nights sleeping in garages, the rail station or any place he could find for a night.
At first, Ben was suspicious of the facility and its staff. It was hard for him to trust anyone. He was fortunate to meet Lydia, with Catholic Charities, who helped him to see that Minnehaha Commons was a good place, filled with people who genuinely cared about him.
Special support for veterans
Minnehaha Commons provides supportive housing and services for adults 55 and older who have experienced chronic homelessness. The facility has 44 studio apartments, with several set aside for veterans.
According to Vanna Preska, program director at Minnehaha Commons, “Many of our residents are in immediate need of supportive services, such as help with meal prep, house cleaning, paperwork and transportation. The Older Americans Act grant from Trellis allows us to provide those services, filling the gap between when people move in and are approved for government-provided services. It allows us to help with transportation to medical appointments, shopping to get items for their apartment and other supportive services. Without the grant from Trellis, Minnehaha Commons would not be able to accommodate all the needs of our residents.”
One of the services Ben values most is that staff will accompany him to mental health and other medical appointments, providing additional support as he interacts with health providers.
Ben found warmth and stability at Touchstone, which has helped him start to let go of the hostilities and anxieties that have plagued him for a long time.
Helping older adults focus on life goals
“People tend to almost forget about older adults,” says Vanna. “The residents here have amazing goals that they’re working on. We want to support their goals and help people improve their quality of life regardless of age.”
Touchstone provided Ben with what he needed to get back on his feet. He now has time to focus on the poetry and other writing that he does and the many other interests he has developed throughout his life. He is grateful for everything that Touchstone has done for him.
