Gentrification, per the Houston Chronicle, threatens long-term, low-income residents, who can no longer afford to live in the neighborhood. This is a distressing prospect for older residents, many of whom have dedicated their lives and families to the betterment of the communities in which they live. To date, Third Ward’s gentrification has displaced approximately 26% of long-term Third Ward’s residents, and has encouraged widening economic disparities, resulting in vanishing affordable housing, and significantly increased costs of living. And seniors are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of the rapid evolution of their beloved neighborhood.

The Lawson Senior Residence has been a refuge for 40 seniors, providing permanent residence within the same community they have lived in all their lives. We nurture a loving and communal environment for our seniors through a robust and devoted legion of volunteers, who help residents run errands, chores, host and facilitate cookouts, and provide social visits to prevent isolation and loneliness.