SPOKANE, Wash. – As winter approaches, elderly residents in Eastern Washington are preparing for challenging months ahead, particularly those who are homebound.
Aging and Longterm Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW) is calling for volunteers to assist these residents. Once the snow arrives, it becomes increasingly difficult for older individuals to leave their homes for doctor appointments or groceries.
To address this, the organization created the Adopt-A-Neighbor program. The program connects homebound individuals with volunteer organizations in their area to help clear snow from driveways and sidewalks.
ALTCEW launched the program last year and saw success. , according to ALTCEW Community Living Connections Director Kari Stevens.
“This population is growing in need the resources to help them is not meeting the need,” Stevens said. “The idea of Adopt-A-Neighbor doesn’t have to come from us., Just go adopt your neighbor. If you want to do this individually and you can see a need, fill it.”
The program needs 25 to 30 organized volunteer groups; they currently have 7. Volunteers can come from any group, such as a Rotary Club, a non-profit, or even a high school sports team.
The goal is to pair individuals in need with a group throughout the winter, fostering relationships that provide not only practical help but also personal connection and conversation.
Individual participation is possible, granted, Stevens would try to connect the individual volunteer with an existing group.
Volunteers are encouraged to contact Adopt-A-Neighbor at (509) 960-7281. Stevens also welcomes emails at action@altcew.org.
