Homeless Seniors, Unfortunately, Abound In Monterey County

The Monterey Herald ran a front page story about Kelli Keane, an 81-year-old woman who was thrilled to move into a 200 square foot apartment after living in her van for the past three years.  She once was the buyer for six of the largest sporting goods companies in the Western United States but after we went into the recession in 2008 she lost her job, her $2,200-a-month rental on the top of Laureless Grade, and her savings.  She moved from place to place, but in the fall of 2012 all of her IRA and 401K had been exhausted, she couldn’t find a job and  she was forced to move into her car.  Exacerbating her situation is the fact that until recently it was illegal for people to sleep in their vehicles anywhere on the Monterey Peninsula.  She’s become an advocate for homeless women in Monterey County and has found a number of churches in unincorporated Monterey County that will allow the homeless to sleep in their cars in their parking lots.  Now, every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Monterey Moose Lodge, homeless women can get a hot meal, clothing, sleeping bags, toiletries, coupons redeemable for a warm shower or a day at the laundromat, as well as medical care and legal services.  Another spot they can head to is Pass the Word Ministry, which sets up a table at the picnic area at Dennis The Menace Park every Saturday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. to give the homeless a hot breakfast, clothes, sleeping bags, bicycles, toiletries and medical screenings.  Kelli Keane should be an inspiration to all of us.  She is now a senior advocate for Women Without Adequate Housing and volunteers for Community Partnership for Youth.  Although many of us have recovered from the recession, Kelli’s story is a sad reminder that many haven’t.  Seniors in Monterey County are extremely unfortunate if they are in this situation as it’s one of the most expensive counties in the country to retire in.