Valley Assistance Services (VAS) hosted its 5th annual fashion show fundraiser at Desert Diamond Casino in Sahuarita, drawing attention to the pressing issue of senior poverty and the efforts to alleviate it.
The poverty rate for those aged 65 and over has seen a nearly two percent increase from 2019 to 2022, according to the U.S. Census. In response to the growing needs of the community,
The event, a lively blend of fashion and philanthropy, brought together residents from across the region to raise funds for VAS’s critical programs. This includes fall prevention, housing, utility and rental assistance, transportation, food and diaper banks and more.
The need for these services has grown significantly, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.
“We saw an increased need of almost a thousand percent in our rental, mortgage, and utility assistance,” said Chris Erickson, Executive Director of VAS. “ What we’re seeing now is more seniors that are homeless.”
Tony Bruno, Associate Director at VAS, says that the housing situation has strained the organization’s budgets.