AARP New York Announces Relief Funding from AARP Foundation to Support Victims of Hurricane Ida

Today, AARP New York announced new disaster relief funding from AARP Foundation to support victims of Hurricane Ida. Two grants of $100,000 each will be given to JASA and Selfhelp Community Services to provide direct assistance to those in need in New York. The funding is part of 10 grants from AARP Foundation totaling $2 million to organizations in the hardest hit states along the Gulf and East Coasts.

JASA will provide outreach, case assistance, and financial relief to older adults who were victims of Hurricane Ida. Selfhelp will make repairs to one of the organization’s affordable apartment buildings in Queens, which houses more than 150 older adults and a senior center, and will provide mental health counseling to residents of the damaged building who were emotionally affected by the storm.

“For older adults affected by disasters, the rebuilding and recovery process is a long one, especially for vulnerable residents who were already experiencing hardships,” said AARP Foundation President Lisa Marsh Ryerson. “AARP Foundation is proud to support AARP New York and community-based organizations directly making a difference for older adults with low income as they get back on their feet in the wake of Hurricane Ida.”

Three months after the remnants of Hurricane Ida caused devastating flooding in New York, many residents have not yet returned or no longer have homes to return to, while others struggle to meet basic needs following the storm.

“Older adults are disproportionately impacted by the immediate and long-term consequences of natural disasters, but their unique needs are often hidden,” said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. “We thank AARP Foundation for their generous support as we work alongside local organizations who continue to deliver vital aid to older adults still struggling with the devastation caused by Hurricane Ida.”

“JASA is extremely grateful to AARP for providing generous funding to support older New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Ida,” said Kathryn Haslanger, CEO of JASA. “Those most vulnerable, including older New Yorkers, are among the most devastated and left with the least resources to rebuild and recover. AARP's support of JASA and commitment to aging New Yorkers will make a huge impact for the seniors we serve.”

“AARP Foundation’s generous support enables Selfhelp to maintain the independence and dignity of the older adults impacted by Hurricane Ida. By repairing affordable housing, AARP Foundation is making an investment in safe and stable homes for low-income seniors while providing the mental health counseling our residents need to thrive,” said Stuart Kaplan, CEO of Selfhelp Community Services.

To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/disaster-relief.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jordan McNerney, jmcnerney [at] aarp [dot] org.