Please help keep an older Philadelphian warm this winter

83-year-old Josephine Campbell* and her late husband brought up four children in their modest home, putting away as much money as they could for their retirement. Now that he’s gone and the kids are living in other cities around the country raising their own families, “Ms. Josie,” who lives on a fixed income, often frets about her bills. After some recent plumbing repairs wiped out most of Ms. Josie’s savings, she realized that she did not have any oil in her heater. As she bundled up to keep herself warm, she worried how to fill up her tank before the winter. Her children were not in a position to help financially, and she didn’t want to be forced to spend some of the colder days in a shelter. Ms. Josie didn’t expect to live like this in her older years.

*Name and image have been changed to protect privacy.

Unfortunately, Ms. Josie isn’t alone. Approximately 100,000 older Philadelphians have to make difficult decisions every day about buying food, medication, or paying their bills.

The Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians was created in 1981 for this type of crisis situation. It reduces suffering by providing small grants to older individuals in dire situations. Anyone 60+, on a fixed income, facing a crisis, and meeting the eligibility requirements, can request 100 gallons of heating oil or up to $150 for other immediate needs once a year. Funds can be used for food, vital medications, clothing to stay warm, urgent repairs to keep their home safe, to avoid a utility shut-off, or other life-sustaining expenses.

In Ms. Josie’s case, the Emergency Fund delivered 100 gallons of heating oil so she would be warm in her home over the winter.

Emergency Fund FY 2024 Expenditures

Here’s what people helped through the Emergency Fund tell us:

Mrs. F* had a recent infestation in her home. The next time she went to her local senior center, she asked a staff member for help. The Emergency Fund allowed her to pay for two exterminator service sessions. Mrs. F was relieved to have a pest-free home where her grandchildren could come visit her safely again.

Recent changes to Mr. S’s* medical insurance increased his prescription costs dramatically. He found himself unprepared to pay the increased prices. The Emergency Fund was able to assist him by covering the co-pays for a 3 month supply of his medications. “I’d like to thank PCA for helping me get medicine.”

Ms. B’s* eyeglass prescription had been outdated for a while, resulting in headaches and eye pain. The Emergency Fund enabled her to pay for an eye exam to update the prescription and to purchase 2 new pairs of glasses! Ms. B thanked PCA and the Emergency Fund for “getting rid of those darn headaches.”

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.

Please help older Philadelphians in need this winter by donating to the Emergency Fund today!

$1,000 will provide seasonal clothing for 10 older Philadelphians
$500 provides $50 worth of food to 10 older adults
$300 provides 60 gallons of home heating oil
$100 helps prevent a utility shutoff

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