April 2, 2026
Like many of our neighbors, Ben and Kerry turned to Meals on Wheels when they could no longer prepare their own meals. In January 2020, the married couple moved to Austin from Washington, D.C., leaving behind the home they had lived in for 60 years to help care for their grandson. They were hopeful for this new chapter—until COVID changed everything. “I could no longer cook meals for us. I am 72, and COVID really slowed me down,” shares Kerry.
On top of that, the pandemic also brought isolation. Though Ben and Kerry are social by nature, they don’t leave home often and cherish any opportunity for connection.“We take care of our grandchildren, but have no one to take care of us,” says Kerry. For many neighbors like Ben and Kerry, home-delivered meals bring More Than A Meal—they bring relief, consistency, and connection. Through the Power of the Knock, each visit is a reminder they are not alone.
“The meals really help. It is good, healthy, and has helped my blood pressure drop,” says Kerry.
The arrival of a volunteer driver doesn’t just mean a meal— it means a friendly face and a moment of conversation. “We became very friendly with some of our volunteers. We got to know our first volunteer, Bob, very well,” says Ben. Even with each other, they still crave social interaction. “We enjoy it when the volunteers come by, especially when they are young. You all teach us something new. We don’t really get social interaction, but we always enjoy having people come here,” says Kerry.
This service is more than nutrition for thousands of older homebound adults in our community. Every visit provides another day of dignity and independence. Learn how you can Power The Knock and make connection possible for homebound older adults like Ben and Kerry today.
*Neighbor featured in picture is Ben. Names of neighbors changed to protect privacy.