CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Local leaders learned during recent bouts of frigid weather that area senior citizens living in their own homes may not know about help that’s available for the asking.
County Commissioner Lisa Stanbery recalled one elderly woman surviving the severe cold without heat.
Members of the Coalition for Community Improvement recently discussed the case of an elderly widow, a retired schoolteacher, too frail to keep up her housework.
“I think that we need to update the information and facilitate getting it to the people who need it,” Mrs. Stanbery said. “We are still not meeting that gap. … All this is designed at no cost to get the information to those who need it.”
To meet that need, a senior citizens information fair is planned for February. Representatives from government, nonprofit agencies and volunteers are being asked to come together in one place so seniors or their families can learn more about available services.
Coalition members said seniors and their families may not know about the property tax freeze for seniors, faith groups that provide basic home repairs or young people looking for summer projects.
IF YOU GOWhat: Senior Citizens Information FairWhen: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 18Who: Participants invited include county service providers, doctors, therapists, SETHRA, Bradley County Health Department, home health services and more.Where: Senior Citizens Center, Urbane Road (next to YMCA)Lunch provided to registered attendees. Transportation provided upon request.
Getting that information out is “exactly why the coalition was formed,” member Jennifer Norton said.
While the fair is directed to seniors, the Coalition for Community Improvement’s project is aimed at updating a comprehensive list of help providers. Updated lists could be placed on local agencies’ Web sites.
County Commissioner Jim Smith said the county mayor’s Web site links to the directory of United Way of Bradley County.
Ms. Stanbery, a candidate for county mayor, said the fair and possibly a future directory are aimed only at spreading awareness of services to those who need them, at no cost to the county.