Alexandria Senior Center Undergoes Major Renovation During Pandemic
ALEXANDRIA, VA-St. Martin de Porres Senior Center on Taney Ave. has served Alexandria’s seniors for 45 years. During the pandemic, the site has been closed. This provided HomeAid Northern Virginia (HANV) with an opportunity to undertake a $44,000 upgrade of the facility.
Yesterday, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, staff had the chance to see the finished project. It includes bathroom upgrades, ramps to increase accessibility, and electrical and lighting updates.
“The programming and social services that senior centers provide are essential for many of our region’s
most vulnerable older adults,” said HomeAid Northern Virginia Executive Director and CEO Kristyn Burr. “HomeAid Northern Virginia is proud to have partnered with Catholic Charities to help ensure that seniors in Northern Virginia have access to a high-quality, modern senior center.”
HANV is a nonprofit based in Chantilly that partners with organizations to improve living spaces and buildings that offer support programs. All materials are donated by local homebuilders, and they provide expert carpenters and electricians at no cost. Because the cost of the project was completely covered by HANV, Catholic Charities, which runs the center, could focus on caring for seniors isolated in their homes.
“As we emerge out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that seniors connect, stay active, and have accessible support when they need it,” said the center’s director Anne Coyne. “We can’t wait to get everyone back together again – in a responsible fashion – in our brighter, modernized and much improved space.”
Planning is underway with Alexandria’s Division of Aging and Adult Services to allow people to return to this welcoming place and gather with friends.
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