[Antiracism] [WR/HCA] 2/18 demonstration against Holyoke Geriatric Authority closing

[WMass Jobs With Justice]

{To avoid some duplication, this is a combined mailing to the Workers'
Rights and Health Care Action lists.}

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

COMMUNITY GROUPS TO PROTEST CLOSING OF HOLYOKE GERIATRIC AUTHORITY

Community organizations and members will be holding a protest over the
closing on the Holyoke Geriatric Authority this Wednesday, February 18, at
12:30 p.m. in front of Governor Patrick's Western Mass. Office,  436 Dwight
St., Springfield.

Because the state has failed to release a $1,000,000 bond it promised the
Holyoke Geriatric Authority in August, 2008, the Authority administration
says it has no choice but to close its doors and relocate its 65 residents.
The facility also provides off-site services to an additional 65 elderly
community members.

John W, Bennett. President of Mass. Senior Action Council said, "I was born
and brought up in Holyoke, and I am dismayed that the Holyoke Geriatric
Authority facility is in danger of being shut down,  For as long as I can
remember, Holyoke has provided a place where the elderly could get
affordable care when their families could no longer care for them.  In these
times when seniors are faced with rising costs for food, shelter and health
care, it would be a mistake to shut down this important facility, especially
if State funding which could keep the facility open has, in fact, been
earmarked for the Authority.

"We must also consider the impact on the facility's workers and the Holyoke
economy if 130 workers lose their jobs.  In a time when the national focus
is on a stimulus package to increase the number of good available jobs, it
seems inappropriate to allow this facility to close.   Massachusetts should
be providing the funds to keep this place open, and then use stimulus funds
to ensure that these workers keep their jobs and that they receive proper
pay for the work that they do." 

Arise for Social Justice President Don James says his organization condemns
the failure of Gov. Patrick to release the bond which will result in the
sudden closing of the Holyoke Geriatric Authority. 

"We are deeply concerned this closing will have a traumatic effect on the
residents of the Holyoke Geriatric Authority who will be forced to find
housing on very short notice.  Relocating a person at an advanced age can be
a death sentence.  We call on Governor Patrick and the legislators to
release the promised bond to this valuable social services asset and to
allow the Holyoke Geriatric Authority to remain open and operational for the
people who have called it home for many years.

 "We hope the community will join us in opposing the closing," James said.

 For more information, contact the Mass Senior Action Council at 786-3741 or
455-3829, or Arise for Social Justice at 734-4948.

 

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