Homelessness and Housing: Connecting Older Adults to Resources
In this episode we are joined by Natasha Houpe, Manager of the Office of Aging and Disability Services. Join us as we learn more about her extensive work with older adults and individuals with disabilities in Richmond, Virginia. In our conversation, Natasha highlights the pressing issues of housing, homelessness, and evictions faced by these populations, emphasizing the need for education, advocacy, and community resources. Down below we have also shared a number of resources that many listeners may find useful, so be sure not to miss them!
Meet Our Special Guest!
Natasha Houpe is an RVA transplant from North Carolina. She came to Virginia to begin a career at the V.A. hospital where she worked with active duty and veteran service members as a recreation therapist. In this role, she assisted service members with transitioning to civilian life after years of service in their respective branch of the military. This included identifying resources to assist military outside of the V.A system where necessary, navigating the city with a new injury such as a brain injury, spinal cord injury, or re-engaging with family. While obtaining her Master of Business Administration (MBA), Natasha was selected as Therapeutic Recreation manager for the city of Richmond’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities Department. Natasha was tasked with starting a brand-new division of parks and recreation which focused on ensuring that children and adults with all types of disabilities and seniors have equal and fair access to recreation and leisure: access to buildings and recreation facilities, restaurants, sports, etc. She became the manager of the Office of Aging and Disability Services for the city of Richmond in 2023. This office serves residents of Richmond that are 55 + and those that are 18+ with a physical disability. Natasha has been in Virginia since 2016. She and her husband Doug have two young children (ages 2 and 4) who keep them active and very busy.
Listen to the Episode
Additional Resources
Local Richmond Resources
- City of Richmond – Office of Aging and Disability Services. 804 646 1082 or [email protected]
- Homeward Organization – [email protected]
- If you are within 3 days of losing housing, call The Homeless Connection Line: 804-972-0813 or visit www.hclrva.org . If you are more than 3 days away from losing housing, call The Housing Resource Line: 804-422-5061
- Legal Aid Justice Center – 804-643-1086
- Eviction Legal Helpline at 833-NoEvict (833-663-8428) or www.rvaevictions.com
- Senior Connections 804-343-3000
National Resources
- Final your local Area Agency on Aging – https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/About/Aging_Network/AAA.aspx
- National Homeless Law Center – https://homelesslaw.org/