Silver Spring Village (SSV)

Silver Spring, Md. 

Informed by the success of other “villages” (Naturally Occuring Retirement Communities or NORCs), a group of Silver Spring residents established the Silver Spring Village (SSV) with the mission of “neighbors helping neighbors” as residents age in place. Silver Spring Village serves seniors living in Zip Code 20910, which is economically and ethnically diverse. SSV offers assistance in combatting loneliness and isolation, building community, transportation, and home maintenance.

Although much of the work of the Village is done by volunteers, there is still a need for staffing and basic organizational infrastructure. The 2018 grant of $7,500 helped maintain the current level, quality and variety of services that are provided as well as cover some of the basic operating costs common to any non-profit organization. Furthermore, some of the grant funds will be used to subsidize the membership fees of individuals who are unable to afford them.

Member R has a history of heart health issues and lives alone. A big storm was predicted and the Village “storm buddies” were reminded to check on Village members to make sure that they had what they needed to make it through the bad weather. When a storm buddy called R, the buddy thought that R didn’t sound like himself and was alarmed when he heard that R had been having chest pains. The storm buddy made sure that R got to the hospital, where R stayed for four days. R is greatly appreciative of the buddy who checked in on him and said, “The Village is the best thing in Montgomery County.” 

To learn more about Silver Spring Village visit: www.silverspringvillage.org.