A wonderful editorial for seniors was in the July 27 edition of the Coeur d’Alene Press with well deserved recognition for our area’s senior citizens and senior centers. I would, however, note to The Press and its public that there are additional organizations working every day for our seniors in Kootenai County.

Think about the fact that while seniors are one demographic in North Idaho’s human population (around 20,000 according to the 2010 U.S. Census), a severely neglected sub-demographic is that of seniors of limited income (more than 2,500 living below the poverty line). These folks struggle every day with decisions on how to spend their limited income, i.e. whether to pay for food, prescription drugs, energy bills or other things necessary for just living a decent life. Volunteers working through ElderHelp of North Idaho (with funding support from United Way, Kootenai Electric and Rotary Club) provide free firewood, free home repairs and winterization and free wheelchair ramps for disabled seniors of limited income.

These efforts provide financial relief to low-income seniors and help them to remain in their homes, whether owned or rented. In 2011, some 240 cords of firewood were provided to ElderHelp clients, about $36,000 in firewood costs that seniors did not have to come up with to keep their homes warm. This year, in addition to free firewood, ElderHelp is providing free labor and materials for a winterization project that will enable low-income seniors to keep their interior warmth from escaping to the outside through leaking window and door seals or through poorly insulated ceilings, walls and trailer skirting.

To get free firewood, help on home repairs, winterizing their home or a wheelchair ramp, seniors need only call ElderHelp at (208) 661-8870 or email us at info@elderhelpofnorthidaho.org. If you qualify, i.e. are 60 years or older (55 if disabled) and make less than $1,200/month ($2,000 for a couple), ElderHelp will do all it can to ensure a comfortable 2012-2013 winter for you and your family.

JERRY R. BOGGS

Executive Director

ElderHelp

Post Falls