Pictured: Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and ESVA Housing Mission recently signed a memorandum of understanding to form the Healthy Homes Initiative, a collaboration that is dedicated to improving living conditions for poverty level residents in Accomack and Northampton counties. From left are Rich Hill, construction supervisor for ESVA Housing Mission; John Fiege, ESVA Housing Mission treasurer; Donna Smith, ESVa Housing Mission board chairman; Don Taylor, ESVA Housing board advisor; Julie Niblett, BSW, a social worker with SMH; Dentelle Trader, MSW, a social worker with SMH;. and Nick Chíquin, president of Shore Memorial Hospital. Absent wasJennifer Shelton Barnes,Riverside Shore Home Health and Hospice Manager and a member of the ESVA Housing Mission board of directors.
Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and ESVA Housing Mission recently signed a memorandum of understanding to form the Healthy Homes Initiative, a collaboration that is dedicated to improving living conditions for poverty level residents in Accomack and Northampton counties.
The goals include allowing residents to safely remain in their homes, reduce the risk of falls and other health conditions, increase access to health and wellness services, reduce hospital visits and admissions and improve their overall quality of life.
“Safe housing is a fundamental need that significantly impacts every aspect of a person’s life and well-being. Riverside is mission-driven to help our Shore friends and neighbors whose living conditions may be hindering their health,” said Nick Chíquin, president of Shore Memorial Hospital. “We are proud to build ramps, shore up stairs and make other repairs that enable homeowners to safely navigate their homes and reduce their risk of emergency room visits or hospitalizations.”
Studies show that an investment in safe homes has over a 200 percent return on reduced medical costs from falls and injuries, with falls beingreduced by 87 percent.
Don Taylor, board advisor for ESVA Housing Mission, who also spent 12 years as director of Chesapeake Housing Mission and oversaw more than 1,000 home repair projects in lower Maryland, said,“These types of partnerships (MOU) demonstrate the importance of the medical community and the ESVA Housing Mission working hand in hand to reduce the suffering and pain caused by poor housing conditions. Working to prevent falls is key thus keeping our neighbors out of the ER and being admitted to the hospital. Riverside has been a great partner and continues to support the mission. This partnership demonstrates to commitment to a better future for all.”
Taylor added, “The leading cause of injury to people over 65, which often leads to hospitalization and even death, are falls. The environment where we live has a major impact on our health and safety, especially for seniors. This is where prevention becomes critical to allow them to age in place safely.”
ESVA Housing Mission, which is committed to warmer, safer, drier, and healthier homes for community residents, will assume the lead and will provide the design, materials and obtain the permits for all renovation projects. Volunteers from churches, civic groups, local businesses and other groups have already signed on to provide the labor for the projects.
Contributions to ESVA Housing Mission can be mailed to John Fiege, Treasurer, ESVA Housing Mission, 34 Market St., Onancock, Va. 23417.
If interested in participating in a home repair project, contact Donna Smith, chairwoman of ESVA Housing Board, at[emailprotected],phone 757-442-9652,or Jennifer Shelton Barnes at[emailprotected]or call the voice mailbox at 757-709-5468.
