Applauded by Residents, Irvington Village Faces New Challenge

PORTLAND, OR (February 17, 2003) - It was getting harder and harder for Gladys and Bud Caravatta to manage on their own. Confined to a wheelchair for 29 years because of cerebral palsy, 68-year-old Bud's arms were getting weaker. Seventy-four-year-old Gladys' Parkinson's disease was progressing - narcolepsy was an added concern.

To find the assistance they needed, the Caravattas' caseworker gave them a list of assisted living residences. She cautioned them to stay away from new residences, explaining that there would be no way to judge the quality of care. But everything the Caravattas looked at had a long waiting list.

Their caseworker suggested they look at Irvington Village, a joint project of Northeast Portland's Irvington Covenant Church and Covenant Retirement Communities (CRC). It was new, she said, but it was backed by a church and that would probably have a positive effect on the quality of care.

"As soon as we came in the door, we felt this was the place," recalls Bud. "It was a combination of knowing it was backed by a church and the friendliness we were greeted with."

A little more than a year after its January 2002 opening, Irvington Village has been a godsend for many residents like the Caravattas. Their Social Security income allows them to live in a nice place, receive the help they need, enjoy a Christ-centered community life and be close to family and friends.

Portland is home to Clifford Lewis (accompanying photo), 86. He has lived in the city since 1947 and raised four children there. Now that he lives at Irvington Village, he says, "My daughters and sons can easily come to see me. One son works just a few blocks from here and can see me practically every day."

Priscilla, 78, and John Calhoun, 74 (accompanying photo), are also glad to be near their three children and 27 grandchildren and great grandchildren, most of whom live in Portland. Although he reached retirement age almost a decade ago, John continued to work as an automotive detailer to make ends meet. Now he doesn't have to. "Now that we're here, we pay one bill and don't have to worry. It gives us peace of mind. There won't be bills coming to the mail box."

Having been a deacon in his church for many years, John helps coordinate devotions and Bible study at Irvington Village. He joined Irvington Covenant Church next door. "It's in the back of my house and I like it. I like the Bible study, the pastor, the prayer service. It's great."

Being a resource to the local community was exactly what members of adjacent Irvington Covenant Church had in mind in 1995 when they conceived the idea of creating an affordable assisted living residence. Covenant Retirement Communities helped the church acquire the property and brought retirement housing expertise to the development of the community.

"In the urban setting we frequently get the short end of the stick in terms of quality facilities and services," says Irvington Covenant Church Pastor Henry G. Greenidge. "Irvington Village represents a first class quality structure and personnel. We've received great kudos from the community. It's the tallest building on the avenue and the reputation for quality service is spreading."

But just as the reputation of the one-year-old community is growing, state budget cuts are casting a shadow on the five-story building and its mission of providing affordable assisted living. Even before Oregon residents rejected tax-raising Measure 28 in late January 2003, the state had started cutting Medicaid benefits for those who need minimal assisted living services, things like medication management and help with dressing or grooming. At Irvington Village, 10 residents have already been notified that Medicaid will no longer cover their care. As the cash-strapped state deals with its budget, more letters are expected.

Dedicated to its mission, Irvington Village faces a potentially overwhelming challenge. "These residents have become our family and we are not willing to ask them to leave," says Rebecca Neth Townsend, vice president of Covenant Retirement Communities. "But our operating budget is very tight and now the state is cutting funding for the most vulnerable members of our population-the elderly, children, the disabled."

Irvington Village is struggling to find a solution to the dilemma. Meanwhile, staff members and residents have tried to help apply political pressure by traveling to Salem to join a demonstration protesting the defeat of Measure 28. Fund development plans are in the works in an effort to tap private resources to bridge the gap between income and operating expenses.

"There are no easy answers," says Townsend. The Irvington Village staff, CRC and Irvington Covenant Church are praying for the Lord's guidance. In one short year, Irvington Village has become a refuge for older adults in Northeast Portland. The singular goal is to continue to provide sanctuary for those who have found a home.

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