The six apartment buildings that Selfhelp owns and operates in Queens allow seniors with limited incomes to live in the kind of lively, multicultural neighborhood that only New York City can offer. Mr. Poon is able to participate fully in the Chinese community, while enjoying the independence made possible by Selfhelp’s services and affordable housing. Winnie, Selfhelp’s Cantonese-speaking social worker, sees him several times each week. Because she is based in his building, Mr. Poon does not have to wait for scheduled appointments to get help with official forms and letters, and Winnie can keep an eye on his health and other needs, making appropriate referrals at the right moment. If necessary, Winnie can call upon Selfhelp’s expert staff in any of our programs, to create a strong, flexible network of support for Mr. Poon and his fellow residents.

Mr. Poon’s neighbors in Selfhelp’s senior residential campus represent over thirty nationalities, and they, too, enjoy access to their traditional cultures. Where else but in New York City would Chinese, Korean, German, Russian, Polish, and Hispanic residents live side by side? Selfhelp has made it a priority to recruit bilingual staff who can help connect them to the community and encourage them to share their special talents and rich heritage.

Of course, not everyone enjoys good health or has as much energy as Mr. Poon. Selfhelp offers a range of services to a clientele that is becoming increasingly diverse in age and ability. For those who need them, meals are delivered to homes. Our Community Guardian Program serves as court-appointed legal guardian for clients who are unable to cope with financial or domestic matters. Selfhelp’s Alzheimer’s Resource Program provides adult day care and support services to families and caregivers.

One of our newest programs, Selfhelp Senior Source, enables seniors and their families to plan for the changing needs that come with advancing age. Our expert staff helps Senior Source clients make connections with care and service providers before urgent needs arise, so that clients can determine the course of their own care and make a seamless transition to new levels of care when required.

For seniors like Mr. Poon, the shortage of affordable housing in New York City grows more critical each year. All of our buildings have long waiting lists for apartments. By providing on-site social services and leveraging government funds with private donations and knowledgeable management, Selfhelp is able to provide pleasant, safe homes to over one thousand elderly men and women in the midst of one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in the world.

The nearly 1,000 seniors who reside in our buildings are a diverse group of individuals whose needs are as varied as their age and life stories. Selfhelp’s affordable housing and on-site social service staff offer elderly men and women like Mr. Poon the opportunity to lead independent lives in a warm and supportive environment that encourages community, creativity, and fun.