United Church Homes receives timely grant, also launches annual appeal

United Church Homes (UCH) has received a $45,000 grant from the H.W. Durham Foundation, based in Memphis, Tennessee, to provide basic needs support for older adults living in nine of its affordable housing communities in Mississippi and Tennessee.

The grant will help supply cleaning products, personal care items and perishable food such as fruits and vegetables to residents living in the communities of Austin Run Estates, Canterbury Crest, Fox Hollow Community, Glendale Commons, Hollyview Place, Meadowview Village, Shelby Station, Southern Pines, and Woodhollow Glen. Five of those are located in Mississippi, and four in Tennessee.

Many residents in these communities live on limited incomes and, despite having subsidized housing, still face monthly shortfalls as the cost of living continues to rise. By the end of each month, many struggle to afford essential items.

Gloria Hurwitz, Vice President of Advancement at UCH, said the timing of this grant comes at an especially good time, as costs have dramatically risen this year. “At United Church Homes, we believe every older adult deserves to live with dignity, stability, and comfort. The H.W. Durham Foundation’s gift allows us to extend that promise by ensuring residents have access to everyday essentials that many of us take for granted. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and commitment to supporting older adults in need.”

“We applied before the government shutdown,” said Olivia Rousculp, UCH grant manager, the one who researched and wrote the grant. “But it really arrived at the perfect time.”

“This generous support from the H.W. Durham Foundation helps us meet a very real need among older adults who call our communities home,” said Dan Fagan, Vice President of Housing Operations at United Church Homes. “Providing these basic necessities not only safeguards residents’ health and well-being but also offers peace of mind during times of financial strain.”

The funding will directly benefit approximately 285 low-income older adults throughout the program year, and distribution of the funding has already started. Through its mission to transform aging by building a culture of community, wholeness and peace, United Church Homes is committed to ensuring that every resident—regardless of income—can live safely, comfortably and with dignity.

Launching an annual appeal

United Church Homes is launching its annual appeal in early December, and Hurwitz said this grant is just one example of the kind of work UCH does in its communities. “Our year-end appeal demonstrates our commitment to compassionate care and serving vulnerable populations, and partners like the H.W. Durham Foundation know their investment makes a significant impact for our residents.”

The annual appeal supports pastoral care, affordable housing, The Center for Abundant Aging, and capital projects, among other things. One can make a donation to the UCH at this LINK.

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