Calls for Help Have Doubled, Senior Services Reports

The number of seniors in need exceeds service capacity.

NORFOLK, Va., June 29, 2026 — Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia is reporting a dramatic increase in demand for its services. From January through May, 2,183 people called their office seeking assistance, compared with 952 during the same period last year—a 130% increase.

“We are seeing more seniors than ever before who cannot access the nutrition and the care they need,” said Steve Zollos, CEO of Senior Services. “Many are aging into poverty, facing food insecurity, and dealing with the devastating effects of social isolation.”

The surge stems from growing economic and health challenges facing older adults across Hampton Roads, according to Zollos. Rising food and housing costs combined with fixed incomes, chronic health conditions, and transportation barriers are making it increasingly difficult for seniors to successfully age in place.

Senior Services, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has been helping seniors and their caregivers in South Hampton Roads and Western Tidewater for 54 years. They provide home-delivered meals, transportation, in-home care, and companionship, among other services. All their programs are free or low-cost and aimed at helping seniors remain in their own homes.

The sharp increase in calls to the organization has translated into longer waiting lists for services. The number of seniors waiting to join the home-delivered meals program is nearly 150, and 100 more are waiting to receive in-home care.

In response, Senior Services is launching its first “Help Us Say Yes” fundraising campaign to bring seniors off the waiting list. “No senior should have to wait for basic nutrition, care, and human connection,” Zollos said.

Suggested donation amounts are $50 for a week of home-delivered meals, and $165 for five door-to-door rides for seniors to the doctor or grocery store. “Any amount helps us deliver care and dignity to our senior neighbors,” Zollos said. “We think they deserve it.”

To learn more or support Senior Services, visit www.ssseva.org/donation/, find them on Facebook @SSSEVA, or call 757-461-9481.