We need to do more for senior housing
By John Olver
Berkshire Senior asked Congressman John Olver, “What is being done at the federal level to give low and middle income seniors, including those in Berkshire County, the “choice” to help them continue to live in their own homes and communities with dignity and independence as long as possible?
The population of persons age 65 and older in the United States is expected to grow both in numbers and as a percentage of the total population through 2030. This population growth will create a series of housing challenges in the years to come as affordable housing for low-income elderly households could be lost in the coming years due to mortgage maturity and prepayment and as existing housing developments deteriorate.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) operates a number of programs that provide assisted housing and supportive services for low-income elderly households to ensure that seniors in HUD-assisted housing can stay in their apartments as they age.
HUD operates five programs that designate assisted housing developments for either low-income elderly residents alone, or low-income elderly residents and residents with disabilities. The primary HUD program that provides housing for low-income elderly households is the Section 202 program. Established in 1959, it is the only HUD program that provides housing exclusively for the elderly. The Section 221(d)(3) Below Market Interest Rate and Section 236 programs are mortgage subsidy programs that provide housing for all age levels, but have properties specifically dedicated to elderly households. The Public Housing program and Section 8 project-based housing program also have projects dedicated to elderly households.
In addition to providing housing, HUD operates four supportive services programs for elderly households residing in HUD-assisted properties. The Congregate Housing program, Service Coordinator program, and Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency program for elderly persons and persons with disabilities each provide services such as meals and assistance with daily activities to help ensure that residents can remain independent. The Assisted Living Conversion program gives grants to HUD-assisted developments so that they can convert units or entire buildings into assisted living facilities.
In my role as Chairman of the Transportation and Housing Appropriations Committee, I have had the opportunity to study these issues in great depth. I strongly believe that we must do more to ensure that seniors have affordable and safe housing, and as Chairman I have looked for opportunities to strengthen HUD’s housing programs that do just that.
Please be assured that I will continue to look for opportunities in Washington to support these programs and others to ensure that seniors are able to obtain homes and remain in them.
Congressman John Olver represents the 1st Congressional District – spanning Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester and Middlesex Counties.
