AHEPA Senior Living residents advocate for the Affordable Connectivity Program

1
AHEPA Senior Living residents advocate for the
Affordable Connectivity Program
2

• The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a
  critical initiative launched in December 2021
  during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has
  become a lifeline for millions of Americans,
  especially older Americans. Today, internet
  availability is a necessity, not a luxury. And
  the ACPs role in discounting internet access by
  up to 30 a month to low-income households is
  vital. Here, well aim to highlight the necessity
  of the ACP for older Americans, underscore AHEPA
  Senior Livings (ASL) dedication to senior
  wellness across America and illustrate ASLs
  commitment to fostering community engagement
  among seniors.
• The importance of the Affordable Connectivity
  Program for seniors
• For many older Americans, the internet is more
  than a platform for information and entertainment
  its a vital connection to the outside world.
  For example, nearly half of the residents in the
  AHEPA 35 Senior Manor, Nashua, New Hampshire,
  community rely on the ACP for internet access,
  without which they would face increased isolation
  and a significant reduction in their quality of
  life.

3

• An ASL Service Coordinator who serves the Iowa
  communities shared that a local company offers a
  plan for customers who qualify for the ACP for
  30 per month. When the ACP discount is applied,
  they receive free internet.
• From using YouTube for educational and
  entertainment purposes to using virtual
  assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google
  Assistant, or Siri to connect with family members
  or call for emergency assistance to listening to
  audiobooks for those residents who are visually
  impaired, the importance of the internet to older
  Americans cannot be overstated.
• Residents from across ASL communities have
  reached out with their testimonials on why this
  program is so critical to their overall
  well-being. These testimonials include examples
  of finding critical medical devices at reasonable
  prices, reducing social isolation, and increasing
  feelings of independence and safety.

4

• The ACP program has allowed me to order stockings
  online and save 30 a month. The stockings I
  purchase are well over 200 a month. They are
  necessary for my health, and the 30 monthly
  credit for internet use was a big help. The
  benefit has allowed me to be on Zoom to see and
  socialize with friends Im unable to physically
  visit.
• A resident of AHEPA 78 Apartments,
  Merrillville, Indiana
• The ACP has been a game-changer for ASLs
  residents, enabling them to stay in touch with
  family members in different states. For older
  Americans, the internet has become a critical
  tool for maintaining relationships and accessing
  vital services.
• Recently, one resident who struggled every month
  to pay for their internet, which helped talk to
  their grandchildren, emphasized the program. The
  ACP was necessary because they wanted to see
  their grandchildren who live in another state
  grow up.

5

• I connected this resident to the ACP program, and
  now, this resident does not have to worry about
  paying an internet bill. This was all because I
  could sign them up for the ACP program.
• A service coordinator, AHEPA 310 Phases V, VI,
  and VII, Mobile, Alabama
• Thanks to ACP, this worry was alleviated.
• Bipartisan support and legislative action
• The ACP enjoys bipartisan support, evidenced by
  the January 2024 introduction of the ACP
  Extension Act, backed by lawmakers like Senator
  Peter Welch and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. This
  bill, detailed on both Welch and Clarkes
  official websites, seeks to provide an additional
  7 billion in funding to the ACP. The urgency of
  this extension is due to the projected exhaustion
  of the ACP funds by April 2024. Introducing this
  act is crucial in ensuring the continuation of
  internet services to over 22.5 million
  households, including many older Americans.

6

• This bipartisan effort reflects a national
  acknowledgment of the ACPs value, transcending
  political divisions. The widespread support is
  echoed by the involvement of elected officials
  from various states, specifically those with high
  ACP enrollment rates. Such legislative action is
  vital in sustaining a program that has proven to
  be a crucial tool for seniors to stay connected
  and access necessary services.
• Community engagement and advocacy
• Residents and staff at ASL have actively
  demonstrated their commitment to advocacy,
  particularly in the ACP. This involvement is an
  outstanding example of ASLs encouragement for
  older Americans to engage in their communities.
  Many of ASLs residents drafted and signed a
  letter to Congressman Joe Courtney, and due to
  their involvement, Courtney invited them to
  participate in a press conference.

7

• Courtneys Office said, It was a very impactful
  event, with Sam, Debbe, and residents attending
  making all the difference. Sams and Debbes
  remarks very much underscored the importance of
  the ACP.
• The press conference landed media placement in
  The Day and WFSB-TV 3
• Readresidents letter and signatures to Courtney
• Such activities support vital causes like the ACP
  and foster a sense of purpose and connection
  among older Americans, further enhancing their
  overall well-being.
• Read More residents letters to Congresswoman
  Emilia Sykes
• Additionally, residents engagement extends
  beyond their letter-writing campaigns.

8

• Through information sessions and assistance in
  applying for the ACP, ASL empowers its residents
  to take advantage of this critical resource. One
  of the initial senior communities to incorporate
  the ACP when the program was piloted was an AHEPA
  community in Haverhill, Massachusetts.
  LeadingAge, the leading association of
  mission-driven providers of aging services for
  older Americans, profiled that success story.
• Having access to the Affordable Connectivity
  Program since June 6, 2022, has been a gift for
  many residents at AHEPA 39 Apartments. Some
  residents did not have access due to the cost of
  internet services. ACPs funding and reduced
  price allowed the residents to learn new skills
  that helped them connect with family, shop
  online, explore, and learn as well as other
  online interests. Access opened up so much for
  seniors who are on fixed incomes. Ending the
  discount that this program offers will mean many
  if not most, who are enjoying it now will not be
  able to afford to continue. At this stage of
  their lives, seniors tend to be shut in more,
  experiencing more profound depression and
  loneliness as well as increased mental health
  issues. Ending the Affordable Connectivity
  Program will hurt this more vulnerable population.

9

• A service coordinator, AHEPA 39 Apartments,
  Haverhill, Massachusetts
• This proactive approach reflects ASLs broader
  commitment to fostering civic responsibility and
  community involvement, embodying the ethos that
  engagement in societal issues is integral to the
  wellness and enrichment of senior life.
• Conclusion
• The Affordable Connectivity Program is more than
  a policy for many older Americans. Its a vital
  connection to the world, helping maintain social
  connections with loved ones and enabling access
  to essential services. AHEPA Senior Livings
  active participation in advocating for the ACPs
  extension demonstrates its commitment to the
  well-being and engagement of older Americans in
  the community.

10
Get in touch with us
AHEPA 78 VI Senior Apartments
AHEPA 35 Senior Manor
AHEPA 310 VII Senior Apartments
AHEPA 310 V Senior Apartments