Many Ethiopian seniors and recent immigrants inevitably have difficulty with English and consequently are made to feel marginalized in their new social environment. Daily concerns such as finding and securing affordable housing, buying food, reading mail, and communicating with those who can assist them are all a challenge.

For these seniors and recent immigrants, EHF's Social Services Program will provide valuable information and much needed support and assistance for their daily lives. Through this program, many will gain access to services and information in the following areas: low-income housing, home energy and telephone bill assistance, employment opportunities, and volunteer training.

Focusing on the most vulnerable segments of the Ethiopian immigrant community, the program will also strives to help clients become more self-reliant. The program will also play an important role in the development of the Virtual Village Program, a decentralized service delivery network for members of the Ethiopian American community to access services in their neighborhood.