Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and ESVA Housing Mission recently signed a memorandum of understanding to form the Healthy Homes Initiative, a collaboration that is dedicated to improving living conditions for poverty-level residents in Accomack and Northampton counties.
The goals include allowing residents to safely remain in their homes, reducing the risk of falls and other health conditions, increasing access to health and wellness services, reducing hospital visits and admissions, and improving their overall quality of life.
“Safe housing is a fundamental need that significantly impacts every aspect of a person’s life and well-being. Riverside is mission-driven to help our Shore friends and neighbors whose living conditions may be hindering their health,” said Nick Chuquín, president of Shore Memorial Hospital. “We are proud to build ramps, shore up stairs, and make other repairs that enable homeowners to safely navigate their homes and reduce their risk of emergency room visits or hospitalizations.”
Studies show that an investment in safe homes has over a 200% return on reduced medical costs from falls and injuries, with falls being reduced by 87%.
Don Taylor, board advisor for ESVA Housing Mission, who also spent 12 years as director of Chesapeake Housing Mission and oversaw more than 1,000 home repair projects in lower Maryland, said, “These types of partnerships demonstrate the importance of the medical community and the ESVA Housing Mission working hand in hand to reduce the suffering and pain caused by poor housing conditions. Working to prevent falls is key, thus keeping our neighbors out of the ER and being admitted to the hospital. Riverside has been a great partner and continues to support the mission. This partnership demonstrates the commitment to a better future for all.”
Taylor added, “The leading cause of injury to people over 65, which often leads to hospitalization and even death, are falls. The environment where we live has a major impact on our health and safety, especially for seniors. This is where prevention becomes critical to allow them to age in place safely.”
ESVA Housing Mission, which is committed to warmer, safer, drier, and healthier homes for community residents, will assume the lead and will provide the design, materials and obtain the permits for all renovation projects. Volunteers from churches, civic groups, local businesses, and other groups have already signed on to provide the labor for the projects.
Contributions to ESVA Housing Mission can be mailed to Treasurer John Fiege, ESVA Housing Mission, 34 Market St., Onancock, VA 23417.
If interested in participating in a home repair project, contact Donna Smith, chairwoman of the ESVA Housing board of directors, at [email protected] or by phone at 757-442-9652, or Jennifer Shelton Barnes at [email protected] or call the voice mailbox at 757-709-5468.
