Our department has been in existence for 20 years. As the Department of Elder Affairs, we are able to assist a diverse population from various backgrounds and socio-economic needs. We have 5 senior centers throughout Springfield, Massachusetts, representing all neighborhoods throughout the City. The Centers are dedicated to service the needs of all seniors, 55 years of age and older throughout Springfield and the surrounding towns and cities. Our Centers offer an extensive range of programs and services: Fitness and wellness programs, Financial and insurance information, Health and medical assistance, Technology support, Nutritional programs, Outreach services, Transportation services/Day trips, Employment assistance, Social and recreational activities, Educational programs/College courses, and Art programs. Elder Affairs works to improve and enhance the quality of life for elder residents. Our department advocates, plans, develops, coordinates and provides social services as well as information and referral services for all elder citizens. We are a tax-exempt, public entity, division under the City of Springfield’s Health and Human Services department. All of our thoughtful programs are an integral part of the plan to become an age-friendly city. Our focus is presently on senior housing and transportation. We are working with the city’s Housing Authority and PVTA (Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority) to further assist our seniors in living space and travel. PVTA has recently added extra bus routes, benches at bus stops, free bus IDs for seniors and free Tuesdays bus rides for anyone 60 years of age and older. The Housing Authority is working with PVTA to provide affordable transportation to and from all senior housing. They are continuously meeting with residents to improve their living conditions, repairing and maintaining quality housing for everyone. The city has made more green spaces for residents to enjoy, fixed sidewalks-improving pedestrian safety, pedestrian crosswalk timers are set for a longer period of time, offers free community garden areas and a newly built senior center. Although our present focus is on housing and transportation we are constantly listening and observing our seniors and their needs so that we can be proactive and respond before issues/challenges arise.