Real Lives, Real Change - Al's story
Were it not for 2-1-1 and the Senior Companion Program, Al Seidel might have been homeless.
Al Seidel is 65, he has coronary artery disease, underwent aortic valve replacement, he suffers from hypertension, lipid disorder, COPD and other ailments.
When Al moved to Seattle, he knew no one, had no job, and hardly any money. He stayed in a cheap motel for two weeks looking for work but could not find anything. He was out of money, out of food.
Al looked in the phone book and found Aging and Disability Services of King County which connect him to 2-1-1 and Volunteers of America's Senior Companion Program. Immediately, Al got connected with help.
He was given food and rent vouchers, paid job training, a temporary job and placement as a Senior Companion Volunteer. The tax-free stipend, mileage and meal allowance he received as a Senior Companion volunteer helped supplement his social security income, besides keeping him active and involved helping others in the community.
Since 2006 he has been advocating and helping seniors and disabled adults in King County. Through the Senior Companion Program, Al helps several seniors at the Heritage House, at the Theodora, and other individuals who live alone in their own homes. Al says: “ I want to help out, where I can, and I’m privileged to help so many good people. It feels good to give it back to the community.”