One of the challenges we face in Ward 6, and frankly, the entire District, is finding ways for residents to “age in place.” It’s a term of art that simply means ensuring that we have all the amenities and services available so that as residents age, they don’t need to move out of the city to get access to greater healthcare, recreation, education and transportation opportunities. I know that when it’s time for me to leave DC, I want it to be boots up.

There is a fascinating effort underway in Ward 6 called the Capitol Hill Village (CHV). It’s a new local non-profit organization, and it will be holding a community meeting at the Market Five Gallery (North Hall of Eastern Market) at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, May 22nd to report on its current status and future plans.  

The Village is a membership organization created to provide support for residents of the Capitol Hill community who wish to stay in their homes as they grow older – aging in place.  Part of the premise is to have its members call a single telephone number to arrange for a number of services or to participate in a variety of activities.  A small office staff will assess service providers and will respond quickly to requests for services or information and emphasize follow-up calls with members.

Founded just one year ago by a group of Hill residents, CHV has a working Board of Directors and has attained non-profit status.  Since late in 2006, the Board has undertaken a successful fundraising effort, enabling it to hire an executive director and open an office in the summer of 2007.   An extensive search for a director resulted in the recent selection of Gail Kohn, a nationally known leader in aging services with long experience in the field.  She will be on hand at the meeting.  

The community meeting will offer a chance for all residents to learn more about the Village concept, ask questions and, if interested, sign up as members.

For more information on Capitol Hill Village, consult the website: www.capitolhillvillage.org or call (202) 543-1778. 

Tommy Wells