Old Fashioned Holiday Fun
This holiday – with the help of some faithful volunteers – CIHA's Resident Services Coordinator Liberty Kyser has staged events at CIHA's elder campus in Muldoon, at Brighton Park apartments in East Anchorage, Strawberry Village Cottages in South Anchorage and, for the first time ever, in Mountain View. The elder parties mainly consist of good food and socializing, but it takes a lot more planning on Liberty's part to keep the children at CIHA's family properties well entertained.
Last week, CIHA hosted its first holiday event for residents of our Mountain View homes and apartments. A small bonfire for keeping fingers toasty, hot cocoa, pictures with Santa and sleigh rides combined to ensure a good old fashioned holiday celebration. Temperatures were barely in the double digits, but a walled tent and propane heaters provided some relief from the elements for the more than 40 Mountain View residents that participated. Similar events were held at all the Anchorage family rental properties.
The elders at CIHA's peninsula properties have been enjoying the holidays as well. Ninilchik House residents particularly enjoyed a visit from local elementary school carolers.
For a number of years now, CIHA has had a staff person dedicated to improving the overall quality of life for residents of CIHA's rental properties. The Resident Services Program is meant to promote community and stability as well as improve residents' independence. The program focuses on both fun and educational activities including social service referrals and guest speakers, walking club and sewing clubs, craft days, movie nights, potlucks and larger scale events such as our recent holiday celebrations.
When the program was launched, CIHA had less than 300 units – all of which were specifically for elders. Just under five years later CIHA has well over 600 units and nearly half serve families with children.
As Cook Inlet Housing Authority builds more affordable housing, the organization's Resident Services Coordinator gets more and more creative with her time and resources. If you or anyone you know would like to donate time or money to CIHA's Resident Services Program, please contact Liberty at 907-338-2314.