To the editor:

Let us introduce ourselves. We are the residents of Presbyterian Homes in Lehigh Acres. We are a low-income, disabled, senior residential complex.

On July 13, 2016, there was a meeting held to explain to the residents of an assessment fee in the amount of $145,803.87 that the corporation had received that will impact the residents tremendously. The impact would mean a $25 increase in rent on a monthly basis that we, the residents, cannot afford.

The reasons are as follows:

– No cost of living allowance increase in 2016

– Medicare part A and B can range from a $100 to $150 monthly deductible

– Incomes range from $625 to $1500 per month based on Social Security, disability and pensions (so you need to budget yourself for the month)

Other monthly expenses for the residents are:

– Rent

– Electric

– Water (half of development pays a monthly payment of $54)

– Phone services, whether cell phone or land lines

– Medications

– Co-payments at every doctor visit and lab work ranging from $25 to $425

– Medical equipment needed at their apartments

– Dental

– Transportation (some residents have automobiles which means money for registration, license, insurance, gas and repairs)

– Clothing

– Personal Grooming

– Out-of-pocket costs for domestic help

How are we expected to pay an extra $25 monthly having all these expenses? This can be viewed as elder abuse and mental anguish for the residents.

Please help to prevent many seniors from going hungry or not taking their medications so they can keep a roof over their heads. This is a reality; not a reality show.

Put yourselves in our shoes. Can you or would you be able to survive with our incomes?

Thank you in advance for your time and attention to this grave matter.

Luisa Santiago

Rachel Rodriguez

Theresa Douglass

Lehigh Acres