The Times

CORAL GABLES Shop in the City Beautiful

Gables Jaycees conduct survey on senior housing

By ERICA MEYER Staff Writer Until Tony Rodriguez and Armando Cruz came along, the Coral Gables Jaycees had never worked on a federal government project — they were apprehensive about the red tape. But, in the last two months, Armando and Tony mobilized 60 Jaycees and their wives to survey 600 elderly residents of Dade County housing projects. The survey not only showed how the elderly poor feel about their homes and what improvements they would suggest, it also gave HUD sufficient information to apply for grants to improve transportation and security services for the housing projects. Tony, 27, a South Miami resident, and Armando, 28, who lives in North Dade, have an office in the industrial section of Coral Gables. As Jaycee board members, they took the survey idea to the board and, Armando now says with a smile, "The ones who were most hesitant about getting involved with the government in the first place are those who are now praising the survey. It really worked out well." About 95 per cent of the 600 elderly residents contacted said they were basically satisfied with their apartments, Tony and Armando guess that many of these people are so grateful to have a place to live that they are hesitant to criticize. A specific question on what they would change about the projects elicited suggestions about more storage space, more privacy, better security, better ventilation, stronger doors, new locks, more accessible bathroom fixtures, grab bars and ramps for the handicapped, less noise and more fire extinguishers. The survey also showed that 83 per cent of the 600 older folks questioned need and would use improved public transportation. The survey showed that the elderly encountered problems getting to hospitals, grocery stores, food stamp offices and churches or synagogues. "The Jaycees really put in an effort," Armando said, "especially the auxiliary; those girls really worked." The Jaycees found the elderly residents delighted to have visitors and were very hospitable. "I don't know how many pieces of pastry or cups of coffee I turned down," Armando said. "They were so pleased that someone cared enough to be there. Many were depressed. They feel that no one cares about them. We had to try to do the survey fast. It could have taken a good hour-and-a-half with each person. "We had to run from one question to the next or we'd still be doing the survey," Armando said. The South Dade projects included in the report were Princeton, 26100 SW 139th Ave.; George Smathers Plaza SW Eighth Street and 29th Avenue; Naranja, U.S. 1 at SW 282nd Street and Florida project number 553 at SW 202nd Street and 119th Avenue. Tony did his thesis at the University of Florida on elderly housing and finds it "one field in architecture where you can use science. There are biological as well as social factors. You have to design a place where people can age successfully." "Transportation was the main thing they wanted, then they asked for security," Armando said. "In some buildings they feel secure, but then they are afraid to go out in the street," Tony agreed. "It depends on the area." He admits to finding a Catch-22. Elderly residents feel most secure in housing projects in affluent neighborhoods, but affluent neighborhoods don't welcome housing projects. "The elderly are illogically treated," Tony stated. "I once read that it's a minority that the majority of people want to become part of someday, but a minority that most people treat very poorly." Proudly exhibiting a plaque from the HUD Advisory Board, earned for their survey of the transportation needs of elderly public housing residents, are (1 to 4) Armando Cazo, co-chairman of the project, Geri Walker, president of the Coral Gables Jaycee Auxiliary; Tony Rodriguez, co-chairman, and Jim Silvestri, Internal Vice-President.

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