Miami, FL – The Alliance for Aging, Inc. is thrilled to announce that its Housing and Homelessness Program received a 2023 Aging Achievement Award from USAging, one of the highest honors presented by USAging to its members. The Housing and Homelessness Program streamlines access for Homeless Trust professionals, as well as for older individuals and their families calling in who are at risk of homelessness, to specialized staff who could assist them. This program was one of 34 programs to receive Achievement Awards during USAging’s 48th Annual Conference and Tradeshow, July 16-19 in Salt Lake City. 

The 2023 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards, supported by Caregiving.com and Cumulus, recognizes USAging’s Area Agency on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Program members that have found new and innovative ways to support older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers as they live in their homes and communities.

“The Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards are a timely reminder of the evolving role USAging members play in the planning, development, coordination and delivery of aging and other home and community-based services in nearly every community in the United States,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “The AAAs and Title VI programs we honor today have set a standard for innovation and creativity in helping vulnerable older adults live with independence and dignity in their homes and communities,” Markwood added. “USAging is inspired by the example they have set for others in the Aging Network.”

In response to the dramatic increase in elder homelessness in Miami-Dade County, Florida, the Alliance initiated communication with the local Homeless Trust and providers of emergency shelter and housing. Our goal was to improve access by this population to services available through the aging network. The outcome of this process was to create a system of designated staff in our Helpline, Intake, and Medicaid Benefits units to ensure ready access to information, assessment, and assistance. This has resulted in a dramatic increase in the numbers of elder homeless receiving Medicaid Managed Long Term Care or other available services.

President & CEO Max B. Rothman emphasized that “This important program provides life saving services to increasing numbers of frail homeless elders. It addresses a critical need in our community to ensure that all older adults receive services to which they are entitled.”

The 2023 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories, including Caregiving, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Health-LTSS Integration, Healthy Aging, Home and Community-Based Services, Housing and Homelessness, Nutrition, Public Health and Vaccinations, Social Engagement, Technology and Transportation and Mobility.  

All winners are highlighted in the USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards Showcase. 

About the Alliance for Aging, Inc.

Incorporated in 1988, the Alliance for Aging, Inc., was designated by the State of Florida as the Area Agency on Aging for Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. The Alliance is a private, not-for-profit agency, part of a network of 11 Area Agencies on Aging in the State of Florida. The Alliance is a community leader serving the needs of older people and people with disabilities. The Alliance receives grants and private donations however, funding is mostly received from state and federal government programs. The goal of the agency is to help people stay at home in the community and avoid placement in nursing homes.

 

About USAging 

USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. USAging is dedicated to supporting the success of our members through advancing public policy, sparking innovation, strengthening the capacity of our members, raising their visibility and working to drive excellence in the fields of aging and home and community-based services. For more information about USAging, AAAs or Title VI programs, visit www.usaging.org. 

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Attached Picture (from left to right) Mike Eidsaune, CEO of Caregiving.com, Max Rothman, CEO/President Alliance for Aging, Lisa Chin, Chair of Alliance for Aging Board of Directors, Mary Ann Spanos, USAging President and John Byer, CEO of Cumulus.