Who We Are: An Experienced Organization Supporting the Elderly, Veterans, and the Disabled
Ahi Ezer Kings Highway began with a mission to fill the void of low-income senior housing within the Borough of Brooklyn. We are under the HUD Section-8 rental assistance program for the low-income elderly, veterans, and those with disabilities. For over 40 years, we have been the go-to organization for our local community.
We are privileged to allow a safe environment for our local Seniors. We provide Independent Housing Units, along with supportive services. Our services include an in-house breakfast and lunch program as well as a Meals on Wheels delivery program, funded by the New York City Department for the aging.
We strictly adhere to and enforce all governing rules and regulations in accordance with qualification requirements. Our apartments include either a one-bedroom or studio unit. We are honored to provide the low-income elderly with options that allow them to live independently in an environment that provides support activities such as:
Common areas are inclusive of a community room and a TV room.
Community dining room with meals prepared twice daily.
Our daily program activities.
Unit smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems.
Laundry rooms with washers and dryers.
24-hour emergency call systems.
24-hour security and emergency staff.
Brooklyn’s Elder Population Growth
New York may evoke images of millennials; however, the borough of Brooklyn has the highest population of those over 65 years at 357,855—more than any borough in the State. Brooklyn’s elder population growth was entirely the result of foreign-born seniors, whose population grew by 39 percent. Currently, 90% of those served by Ahi Ezer Kings Highway program have immigrated from other countries and are now American citizens.
New Yorkers are now living a longer life than ever, with a life expectancy of 81.2 years, 2.5 years longer than the national average. Many struggle to live a sustained life without the support of retirement funds or savings, relying solely on social security disbursements. In the New York boroughs, 21% live below the federal poverty line, with 53% of those being deemed to be in “high poverty,” according to the New York City Department of Health. With hindered resources, these seniors lack the resources to age in their homes, resulting in health disparities, hunger, insecurity, and social isolation.
Ahi Ezer Kings Highway Program
In response, Ahi Ezer Kings Highway Program launched a comprehensive social services program to meet the needs of indigent seniors within the boroughs with inclusive recognition of the large Jewish population in Brooklyn. As such, our hot meal program assures all dietary needs are met. To ensure that seniors receive at least one nutritious, balanced meal a day, Ahi Ezer Kings Highway Program hosts a congregational meal program, serving 100 daily lunches from Monday to Friday. In addition, we deliver 250 off-premise daily portions to the seniors under the Meals on Wheels program. For over 25 years, more than 300 seniors are assisted daily.
Additionally, a social service coordinator helps seniors navigate the complexities of managing healthcare and public transportation and provides a network of referral resources for crisis management and other emerging needs. Our robust weekly programs include mind and body stimulation through yoga and breathing techniques, cultural arts, and physical activities.