Al Johnson
Malta House

"I'm happy here. People are friendly."  

For Albert “Al” Johnson, home is more than a roof over his head. It is a place where he has found stability, friendship, purpose, and a community that has become family. Al has called Malta House home for eight years. Before moving to Christopher Community, Al had experienced significant financial uncertainty. After his divorce, he lived with his daughter for a time. A retirement plan he had depended on was lost, leaving him reliant on Social Security and searching for affordable housing. When Oswego County Health told him about Malta House, Al applied expecting that he might have to wait a year. Instead, he was contacted within about three months and moved in shortly afterward. From the beginning, Al felt welcomed. He appreciated the helpful staff, responsive maintenance team, and the pride they took in keeping the property well maintained. Eight years later, that sense of belonging has only grown. Al has become one of the people who helps make Malta House feel like a community. A self-described "good neighbor," Al spends his days checking on residents and helping with whatever he can. If someone's television isn't working, he helps fix it. If a neighbor needs an extra hand, Al is often the person they call. His involvement goes far beyond helping individual neighbors. Al helps coordinate parties and resident gatherings, encouraging people to contribute whatever they can so everyone can enjoy something together. He even surprised the women of Malta House with a Mother's Day breakfast, cooking bacon, eggs, sausage, home fries, and more for about 20 residents. He has also helped create opportunities for residents to stay active and have fun. When the building needed a television, Al helped organize donations from residents to purchase one. He also brought in his Wii bowling game and teaches neighbors how to play. What started as a simple way to bring people together has become an opportunity for residents to socialize, laugh, and get some exercise. Al even planted flowers along the side of the building, creating a garden that residents could enjoy. His efforts have earned him a fitting nickname: the Mayor of Malta House. But Al's story also demonstrates why resident leadership matters. Christopher Community's support can provide the foundation, but residents like Al help turn a building into a community. A $150 mini-grant from Christopher Community allowed Al and his neighbors to host a Fourth of July celebration with hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, and other food without requiring residents to spend their own money. For Al, those seemingly small moments matter. They give older adults something to look forward to and create opportunities to connect with their neighbors. "That's me," Al says simply when describing everything he does for the people around him.