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Mayor Bowser Highlights Investments for Seniors at Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center’s 15th Anniversary

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined District seniors for the 15th Anniversary of the Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center in Ward 4 and highlighted investments in her Fiscal Year 2023 Fair Shot Budget for DC seniors, with special attention to keeping DC affordable for longtime Washingtonians.

“As we celebrate 15 years of Hattie Holmes, I want our seniors to know that we’re making big investments in the facilities and programs that make DC a great city to grow older in,” said Mayor Bowser. “We’re making sure that Washingtonians of every age have the support they need to live healthy, connected lives.”

Mayor Bowser’s FY23 budget includes a $40 million package of Legacy Initiatives that will help longtime DC residents stay in DC, in part by making it more affordable to own and maintain a home. Specific aspects of this package include $10 million to increase access to homeownership for longtime Black residents, $1 million to assist multi-generational families in maintaining their family property, a 2% Senior Property Tax Cap, $6 million over two years to assist low-income homeowners repair and maintain their homes, and $10 million to make energy-efficiency improvements and remediate lead and mold hazards to improve both the health and comfort of residents.

“This fiscal year, DACL is doubling down on our efforts to ensure all seniors across the District have the resources necessary to age how they choose,” said Jessica Smith, interim Director of the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL). “Thanks to Mayor Bowser’s continued investments in our older residents, we’re working with our entire network of community partners to use every tool in our toolbox to keep our seniors in DC and to provide them with the high-quality service they expect and deserve.”

The Mayor’s FY23 budget also focuses on ensuring greater access to opportunities for District seniors, including $1 million for expanded transportation access through the Connector Card program, $2.6 million for tablets for qualifying homebound seniors, $750,000 to launch a new grocery card pilot program for qualifying seniors to address food insecurity, and an additional $646,000 in the Eat Well, Live Better! senior nutrition pilot program, providing fresh produce delivery and connection to nutrition education and healthcare to participating seniors. Other investments include a $500,000 investment in free dental services; and $425,000 investment in the expansion of Safe at Home to address additional fall risk factors including balance and strength activities and vision screenings.

DACL works with Mary’s Center to provide resources and programming at the Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center.

“We are grateful for the Mayor’s investment in programming and senior wellness facilities that support our older adults in Washington, DC,” said Dr. Tollie B. Elliott, Sr., Mary’s Center Chief Executive Officer. “Thanks to the Mayor’s investment in DACL to sustain programs like the senior wellness centers and her commitment to develop innovative strategies to reduce disparities in access to care and nutrition, we are seeing healthy older adults thriving in their homes and communities.”

Hattie Holmes and other senior wellness centers are designed to help seniors continue living boldly by taking charge of their health, wellness, and social life. To find new hobbies, explore new topics, connect with new friends, and enjoy group lunches, seniors can contact a senior wellness center near them.

Ward 1
Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center
3531 Georgia Avenue NW
Phone: (202) 727-0338

Wards 2 and 3
Around Town Satellite Wellness Program
4125 Albemarle Street NW
Phone: (202) 895-9485

Ward 4
Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center
324 Kennedy Street NW
Phone: (202) 291-6170

Ward 5
Model Cities Senior Wellness Center
1901 Evarts Street NE
Phone: (202) 635-1900

Ward 6
Hayes Senior Wellness Center
500 K Street NE}
Phone: (202) 727-0357

Ward 7
Washington Seniors Wellness Center
3001 Alabama Avenue SE
Phone: (202) 581-9355

Ward 8
Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center
3500 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE
Phone: (202) 563-7225

In addition to senior wellness centers, DACL has more than 40 community dining sites across all eight wards where seniors can also take part in group meals and activities.

To find a community dining site near you, please call (202) 724-5626.