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Tuesday, November 26, 2024

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U.S. imports from Canada, Mexico, and China in play as Trump vows tariffs; Wildfire toolkit helps CA Hispanic families prepare; Activist: Dairy may not be the best way to get your calcium; AARP expands 'Care for Caregivers' course to more WY communities.

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The special counsel wants to drop the January 6 charges against President-elect Trump. U.S. officials hint at a ceasefire in Lebanon, and Trump's pick for 'border czar' warns states that are promising to fight strict immigration policies.

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The health of rural Americans is getting renewed attention from the CDC, updated data could help protect folks from flash floods like those devastated in Appalachia, and Native American Tribes want to play a key role in the nation's energy future.

AARP CA honors advocate for people experiencing homelessness

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Thursday, January 11, 2024   

Today AARP is honoring a California woman whose journey to the U.S. inspired her to open a shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

Betty Kwan Chinn escaped persecution and homelessness in China decades ago and fled to Hong Kong and then the U.S. Chinn said many people welcomed her with open arms, so she decided to find a way to give back.

"I tell myself somehow, sometimes, I will do something good for this country," Chinn explained. "Because people are so kind to me."

Chinn settled in Eureka and started feeding people experiencing homelessness out of her own pocket after noticing her son's classmate was always hungry. Her nonprofit, the Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation, now feeds 500 people per day. She oversees five shelters, including a small housing village made from old shipping containers, plus a day center with a commercial kitchen and wraparound services.

Chinn's shelters employ 22 people and all but two are former clients, giving them a chance to pay it forward.

"I really like to volunteer," Chinn noted. "I encourage anybody and get yourself the chance to do something for other people. You never know how you affect other people. Just look at me and give me a smile that affects my life."

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service honors people who exemplify the spirit of service of AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus.

Disclosure: AARP California contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues, and Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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