Senior Advocacy
Center for Senior Services: Advocacy
Working with our members and supporters throughout the United States, our Senior Advocacy Initiative advances B’nai B’rith’s agenda on a range of seniors’ issues—including affordable housing, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid to policy makers in Washington, D.C. and across the country.
We work directly with seniors through forums and programs on issues such as aging in place, elder fraud and technology.
We also advise the B’nai B’rith Senior Housing Network on relevant legislation, as well as how it can contact elected leaders quickly and easily.
U.S. Rep Juan Ciscomani Engages With Seniors at B’nai B’rith Affordable Housing Building in Arizona
Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) visited the B’nai B’rith Gerd and Inge Strauss Manor on Pantano in Tucson, Arizona, where he engaged with residents and gained firsthand insight about the importance of affordable housing programs for seniors.
The congressman toured various facilities within the housing complex, including apartment units, the community room, fitness room, coffee room, computer room, library and video room. During the tour, he addressed residents’ questions regarding senior issues such as affordable housing, income security, nutrition and health care.
Ciscomani said, “It was great to join B’nai B’rith for a visit to Strauss Manor. I am grateful for the work they do to provide our seniors with safe, affordable housing as well as other programs that give their residents the ability to live their golden years comfortably.”
—U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ)
U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Meets with Seniors at B’nai B’rith Apartments of Deerfield Beach
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) visited the B’nai B’rith Apartments of Deerfield Beach, Florida, today, where she witnessed firsthand how vital affordable housing is for the wellbeing of seniors.
During her visit, Cherfilus-McCormick viewed an apartment unit, the computer room, the library, television room, arts and crafts room and community room. She also met with residents to discuss issues that impact seniors such as affordable housing, income security, nutrition assistance and health care.
Cherfilus-McCormick said, “Affordable housing is a fundamental pillar of a healthy and fair society. For our senior citizens, it is more than just a place to live; it is a foundation for security, independence and well-being. Access to affordable housing becomes increasingly crucial as we age, enabling seniors to live with dignity and peace of mind. The stability provided by such housing allows them to concentrate on their health, engage with their communities and maintain a high quality of life.”
—U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL)
Click here to read more about the visit.
B’nai B’rith Attends White House Event Marking 89th Anniversary of the Social Security Act
B’nai B’rith’s Legislative Director for Aging Policy Evan Carmen attended an event at the White House celebrating the 89th anniversary of the Social Security Act.
During the event on Aug. 14, the Biden-Harris administration highlighted the vital role Social Security plays in the lives of seniors by providing financial resources to millions of older adults around the country. Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley discussed the need to increase staffing to help with administrative functions, such as hold times on the telephone waiting for a customer service agent.
“B’nai B’rith applauds the White House for marking the 89th anniversary of the Social Security Act,” Carmen said. “Social Security is a critical program for seniors and in 2022 helped lift over 16 million older adults out of poverty. Discussions about Social Security’s future must focus on the program’s long term financial security without cutting benefits to recipients.”
Speakers included Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley; White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden; Rep. John Larson; Special Assistant to the President for Tax Policy Brandon DeBot; Disability Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Transportation Kelly Buckland; National Council on Independent Living Executive Director Theo Braddy; Senior Advisor at the White House Office of Public Engagement Anna Perng; White House Fellow Dr. Bryan Smith; and various advocates for the Social Security program.
Few contemporary issues are more critical than the aging of the population, and we commend the White House for raising awareness on the important role of Social Security in the lives of older Americans. Recognizing that senior citizens remain valued members of our community, B’nai B’rith plays a leading role in providing senior housing and advocating for issues that impact older adults.
Read more about our activities at the White House here.
Senate THUD Appropriations Staff Member Visits Homecrest House
B’nai B’rith was pleased to welcome Kelsey Daniels, a staff member from the Transportation Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Subcommittee on Senate Appropriations to Homecrest House, a B’nai B’rith sponsored HUD senior housing property for low-income seniors in Silver Spring, MD. The Senate Subcommittee is responsible for writing legislation that funds HUD senior housing properties around the country.
Daniels toured the property, including apartment units, computer room, gym, dining room and social hall. Daniels also had the opportunity to speak with residents about their experiences at Homecrest House.
Representing B’nai B’rith was Janel Doughten, associate director for the Center for Senior Services and Evan Carmen, legislative director for aging policy. Alayna Waldrum from the American Association of Service Coordinators was also in attendance.
“B’nai B’rith wants to thank Kelsey for taking the time to tour Homecrest House and speak with residents. Tours like this are a great way to show congressional staff members the immeasurable difference affordable housing can play in the lives of seniors. Countless seniors’ budgets are stretched thin paying for healthcare, housing and groceries. Affordable housing can play a vital role by helping to alleviate some financial stresses,” Carmen said.
B’nai B’rith International is a leader in the Jewish community’s approach to aging issues through the B’nai B’rith Center for Senior Services. With our first housing partnership with HUD launched in 1971, and with 35 buildings in 27 communities, we are the largest national Jewish sponsor of subsidized housing in the United States. But we don’t just build senior housing—CSS staff members support training and programs for the residents, building staff and board members that make up our housing network.
Congressional Visits to CSS Housing Locations
Rep. Ted Deutch Visits B’nai B’rith Deerfield Beach Apartments Deutch said, “With approximately 10,000 Americans reaching retirement age each day and increases in life expectancy, the population of older Americans will double between 2012 and 2050. Congress must continue strong support for programs like Section 202 to ensure that high housing costs do not jeopardize a safe and secure retirement for hundreds of thousands of seniors. It was a pleasure to meet with the residents, board members, and staff of B’nai B’rith to see how federal investments in affordable housing help maintain quality of life and independence for South Florida seniors. Every American deserves to retire with dignity. Organizations like B’nai B’rith make that possible.”
– U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.)
B’nai B’rith international Center for Senior Services (CSS) advocates on a variety of issues affecting the lives of older adults that includes: Section 202 and other affordable housing for seniors, health care reform, income security, nutrition and etc.
Anyone can be an advocate. Below you will find step by step instructions teaching you the basics of advocacy and how you can get started today!
All it takes to get started is for you and your friends to decide to speak up and be heard. Getting your legislator’s attention is not as difficult as it may seem. Try it! You can do something from your home, in your town or in the nation’s capitol.
February through March is when the federal budget is written. Consequently, it is a great time to write and call your members of Congress about funding for affordable housing for seniors.
Writing Your Legislator
Legislators are extremely interested in reading correspondence from constituents. Remember: They should be responsive to you! You can write to them at the Capitol or in their hometown office. Part of their job is to respond to you.
Tips for Writing on Affordable Housing:
1. State your name and where you live. Your name and address should also be on the top of the letter.
2. Give a little bit of information about how long you have lived in your building.
3. State why you are writing.
4. Give examples of why you have benefited from living in affordable housing and the role it plays in your life.
5. Please find the sample correspondence below (PDF)
Calling Your Legislator
Legislators are extremely interested hearing from constituents. Remember: They should be responsive to you! You can call them at the Capitol or in their hometown office. Part of their job is to listen and respond to you. When you call, a staff assistant will answer the phone, but your message will go to the legislator.
Tips for Calling Your Legislator:
Write down what you want to say. In case you get nervous or lose your thought, having notes written down will help you to stay on target and direct the flow of the conversation.
1. Introduce yourself and state your name and where you live.
2. Tell them the issue you are calling about and why the issue is important to you.
3. Be specific as to what you are asking for.
4. Thank the person for taking your call.
5. Please see the sample dialogue for a call (PDF).
Meeting With Your Legislator
Legislators enjoy visiting B’nai B’rith affordable housing properties. These visits provide a great opportunity for lawmakers to visit a building in partnership with the federal government and learn more about seniors issues. After the tour, your legislator can meet with residents in a town hall style format and discuss issue that impact seniors such as affordable housing, health care, income security, nutrition and etc.
Tips for Scheduling a Visit With Your Legislator:
1. Try and schedule your meeting when Congress is not in session. If you are not sure, you can call and ask.
2. Again, write out what you want to say so that you can stay focused. Try to separate the myths from the facts.
3. Do your research: know all about your legislators (committees, recent votes and etc.) so that you will know what to expect.
4. B’nai B’rith sponsored buildings should reach out to us for assistance. We have hosted lawmakers at our sponsored buildings numerous times, and we can use our expertise to ensure the visit goes smoothly and your issues get discussed. Email us at seniorservices@bnaibrith.org.
Tips for Meeting with your Legislator:
1. Know the status of the issue you are concerned about. Is there any major legislation pending that could impact affordable housing, health care, income security, nutrition issues and etc. The CSS team is always monitoring pending legislation to keep you updated on all issues.
2. State your concerns and explain how this impacts you. Tell them about your personal experiences…it works! They need to know how a bill will hurt or help you in everyday life. Tell a story with real emotion to show how much the issue really means to you.
3. Say exactly what you want the legislator to do, support a bill, oppose a bill or improve a bill to make it better.
4. Thank the legislator for their time and offer a firm handshake.
Tips to Remember!
1. Be in control. Don’t be intimidated. Politely explain what you want and don’t get sidetracked.
2. Be specific about what you want to see happen.
3. Get a firm answer.
4. Make it clear that you will monitor the legislator’s actions.
How To Find Your Legislator:
1. Senate https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact
2. House of Representatives https://www.house.gov/ (top right corner)
1. Senate https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact
2. House of Representatives https://www.house.gov/ (top right corner)
