Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Village?        How Does It Work?        Who Can Join?

Why Join?        What is the Cost?        References

What is a Village?

"Villages are membership-driven, grass-roots organizations that, through both volunteers and paid staff, coordinate access to affordable services including transportation, health and wellness programs, home repairs, social and educational activities, and other day-to-day needs enabling individuals to remain connected to their community throughout the aging process."

The first Village is 9 years old and was developed in the Beacon Hill area of Boston. There are now over 60 villages functioning throughout the united states and at least that many in development.

YouTube Video: Beacon Hill Village Celebrates 10 Years of Growth

How Does It Work?

Each Village is unique but there are some features that appear to be common to most.

• Non-profit Membership Organizations
  The PNA Village will be a program of the Phinney Neighborhood Association. PNA Village members will receive all of the benefits of regular PNA membership and the services provided by the Village program.
• Serving people 50 or older
  Some exceptions do not use age as a criteria. The PNA Village will be available to people of all ages but will be designed specifically to meet the needs of an aging population.
• Primarily for "middle class" but many have provisions for low income
  PNA Village will be accessible to everyone, with a sliding fee schedule for eligible applicants.
• Have geographical boundaries
  PNA Village will serve persons living between 50th and 105th and Aurora to 15th Ave NW.
  (Boundaries are "fuzzy" so if you live a few blocks outside the catchment area you will be eligible to join.)
• "Concierge service" i.e. one number for all assistance
  We will have a new PNA Village phone number in January.
• Variety of standard services with accommodations/assistance for individual needs
  The PNA Village will provide four areas of opportunity. These include:
  Network of Helpers - help with small tasks and larger projects from neighborly volunteers. Examples of help might include yard maintenance, minor home repairs, transportation, shopping assistance, or help with pets.
  Information & Referrals - assistance in finding the resources to meet your changing needs, including a preferred vendor list, each vendor having been vetted by the PNA Village based on adopted PNA Village standards. Examples might include plumbers, electricians, painters, dog walkers, tech support or lawn mowing services. Selection of the service provider and payment for the service is generally the responsibility of the member. However, assistance will be available depending on the capacity and need of each village member.
  Community Building Activities - programs and events to help village members stay connected to their community while making new friends. Examples might include conversation groups, educational programs, information about issues of concern to members, or book and movie discussions.
  Volunteer Opportunities - PNA Village members will have an opportunity to help other members by sharing their abilities as volunteers. But, volunteers do not need to be village members to help their neighbors. Opportunities will be available to anyone in the community regardless of age. All Volunteers will have criminal background checks and will be trained to work with an aging population.

Who Can Join?

The PNA Village serves persons living between 50th Street and 105th Street and Aurora Ave to 15th Ave NW.

Click here for a map, highlighting our catchment area.

Why Join?

• Insurance - prepare for the unexpected
• Safety Net - support when you require it
• Sense of Belonging - a Village provides new friends and deepens relationships
• Strengthens Ties to your Community
• Enhances your Lifestyle - getting help dealing with tasks you previously had to handle on your
  own
• Less costly than alternative living situations (CCRC; Senior Homes, etc.) when combined with
  volunteer services
• Enables you to enjoy life while someone else handles the chores
• Keeps you in your own home and community.
• Village-vetted vendors save time & money/offer discounts
• At some point we all need help and can't always depend on or ask our neighbors
• Peace of Mind
  

What is the Cost?

Most Villages have an annual fee for individuals and a slightly higher fee for two people in the same home. Membership cost for the PNA Village will be published by January 21. Please stay tuned for more information.

Membership is available to all regardless of ability to pay. For special fee arrangements please contact the PNA Village Coordinator for consideration (206.789.1217).

References:

Avenidas Village - Palo Alto, California
Village added to their programs already available at 8 senior centers
http://www.avenidas.org/village/interested-in-starting-village

Capital Hill Village - Washington, DC
Have very strong "Volunteer First" program and plan for low income residents.
http://www.capitalhillvillage.com

Beacon Hill Village - Boston, Mass.
Original model; considerable experience; publish "How To Manual" that can be checked out from PNA.
http://www.beaconhillvillage.org

To volunteer email Joanna at village@phinneycenter.org or call her at 206.789.1217.

Follow the PNA Village at phinneycenter.org/village or email us at village@phinneycenter.org with questions or to be added to our mailing list.