No One Should Grow Old Alone: Companionship for Silicon Valley Seniors

The loneliest people in Silicon Valley aren't offline. They're forgotten

Santa Clara County has one of California's fastest-growing senior populations — and it's one of the most expensive places in America to age. Behind the doors of modest apartments, thousands of elderly residents live alone. Many have outlived their spouses and friends; their children have moved away. Some go weeks without a real conversation. The U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness an epidemic, with health risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The treatment isn't a prescription. It's a person.

What Your Donation Provides

Your gift will establish our Senior Companionship Program, pairing screened, trained volunteers with isolated seniors across Santa Clara County for weekly visits, check-in calls, tech help (so seniors can video-call their grandchildren), errand support, and holiday celebrations. Funds will cover volunteer recruitment, training and background checks, transportation, activity supplies, tablets, and holiday meals. We are building this program with senior centers and community organizations in the county.

Your Gift Goes Further

• $40 — one month of weekly visits
• $75 — tablet setup and training
• $120 — a quarter of visits and calls
• $250 — holiday meals for five seniors
• $480 — a full year of companionship

Somewhere in your zip code tonight, a senior is hoping the phone rings. Be the reason it does.

Tax-Deductible: Selectiva Charities, Inc. is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 84-3104779). Your donation is tax-deductible; you'll receive a tax receipt by email right after donating. Many employers match gifts via Benevity, YourCause, and similar programs — select "Selectiva Charities, Inc." to double your impact at no extra cost.