Poster 105 - Context-aware Housing Navigation to Support Mental Wellbeing in Older Adults

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

1:15 PM - 1:45 PM MDT

Location: Screen 10, Exhibit Hall Poster Pavilion

This session highlights a 24-month initiative that examined the intersection of housing insecurity and mental health among multi-ethnic older adults in Orange County, California. Through trauma-informed, culturally responsive research involving nearly 300 participants, MECCA identified how housing instability contributes to depression, anxiety, and social isolation, while systemic barriers worsen inequities. Presenters will introduce MECCA’s Enhanced Housing Navigation Tool, which reframes traditional housing models by embedding supports for psychological safety, emotional wellbeing, and resilience. Attendees will leave with practical, replicable strategies to reduce disparities, strengthen equity in housing systems, and promote mental health for diverse aging communities.

Learning Objectives:

Identify culturally responsive communication strategies that reduce stigma and build trust with multi-ethnic older adults experiencing housing insecurity and mental health stressors.
Analyze the intersection of housing and behavioral health disparities among older adults of color using trauma-informed, community-defined approaches.
Apply an enhanced housing navigation framework that integrates mental health supports to strengthen organizational practices and promote holistic wellbeing for older adults.

Poster Presenter(s)

RD

Rhiannon Doscher, n/a

Chief Program Officer
Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies (MECCA)
Santa Ana, California

Disclosure information not submitted.
YO

Yesenia Ochoa, n/a

Chief Executive Officer
Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies (MECCA)
Santa Ana, California

Disclosure information not submitted.
AF

Andrew Fahmy, n/a

MECCA Board Chair
Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies (MECCA)
Santa Ana, California

Disclosure information not submitted.