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“Living in the City,” a groundbreaking initiative by the alternative education organization Nuestra Escuela (Our School), will comprise around 30 residences situated in the central area of Caguas, featuring “Nuestro Abrazo” (Our Embrace), a vocational institution focused on elder care and overall wellbeing.
On Tuesday, Ana Yris Guzmán, co-founder and CEO of Nuestra Escuela, alongside Caguas Mayor William Miranda Torres, celebrated the commencement of the $5.5 million initiative. The city of Caguas contributed $3.1 million to this total investment.
“With ‘Living in the City,’ Nuestra Escuela deepens its pledge to social justice by addressing the needs of the rising population of seniors, aged 60 and above, who require affordable and suitable housing. Concurrently, through vocational training at ‘Nuestro Abrazo,’ we will equip young students aspiring to provide care services to our elderly,” Guzmán stated. “Our aim is for our seniors to regain their joy and sense of productivity. We strive to transform the narrative of isolation for older adults. Seniors are bridging the gap with younger generations.”
Guzmán called on educational institutions to engage in partnerships with older adults “to foster a more unified, equitable, compassionate, and supportive community.”
The housing development will be located in the Ysern Building on Ruiz Belvis Street, at the intersection with Acosta, just a short distance from Plaza Palmer in Caguas. The site ensures residents easy access to dining options, pharmacies, bakeries, healthcare facilities, legal assistance, shopping areas, educational resources, theaters, and various cultural venues, in addition to public transport, which is vital for the elderly.
The mayor expressed his gratitude to all “collaborators who have turned this vision into a reality.”
“This ambitious endeavor not only signifies the construction of a facility that will initially provide homes for at least 30 families, but also marks a crucial advancement in the ongoing rejuvenation of our city,” Miranda Torres remarked. “We aspire to blend this area with our urban core, aiming to create a lively environment where culture, commerce, and community interlace, fostering a hospitable and appealing atmosphere. Our goal is to continue promoting Caguas as a central district, a cultural nexus, and a residential zone that encourages everyone to visit, fall in love with our city, and make it their home.”
Guzmán pointed out that the design of the project adheres to all regulations set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act, with specific rooms being modified for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility.
