Residents of affordable housing often face feelings of loneliness, especially those who have relocated away from family or trusted support systems in search of affordable living. This challenge is even more pronounced among seniors, many of whom live alone and may also be managing health concerns.
However, there is hope. Affordable housing communities that offer onsite resident services are creating opportunities for connection, engagement, and meaningful relationships. Through these programs, residents are finding not just support, but also a sense of belonging that enriches their lives and strengthens their communities.
Here is one such example.
Miss Linda wasn’t always an active presence in the Ships’ Cove Community Room. She first started attending small workout groups, joining a few activities here and there. But it wasn’t until she got more acquainted with her Resident Services Coordinator (RSC) Caitlyn and began volunteering with Operation Pathways that she truly found her place.
Through hours of service—helping at the food bank, organizing holiday meals, assisting with outreach, and participating in National Night Out—Miss Linda not only gave back to her community but also found something invaluable: a sense of family. The bonds formed through these efforts have extended far beyond the walls of Ships’ Cove. Volunteers now check in on one another, spend time together outside of scheduled programs, and encourage more residents to get involved.
“If it weren’t for Miss Linda and the other volunteers, our sense of community wouldn’t be as strong as it is today,” shares Ships’ Cove RSC Caitlyn Luis.
But Miss Linda’s journey didn’t stop at Ships’ Cove. The confidence and social connections she built through volunteering have enriched her personal life as well. She finds it easier to strike up conversations with strangers, has a more positive outlook, and feels motivated to engage more in the world around her.
Her advice to others? “Put yourself in new situations, find your sense of belonging, and don’t be afraid to seek support if you need it. Therapy has helped me throughout my life.”
Miss Linda loves the person she has become and has no plans of slowing down. Through her kindness and commitment, she has not only changed her own life but also strengthened the heart of the Ships’ Cove community—one act of service at a time.
Where Miss Linda lives matters.
