COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE

ELDERLY PLUS

WHEREAS, there are at least 34.1 million Americans 65 years and older, with those 85 years of age ("oldest old") comprising almost one-quarter of that population. The Census Bureau estimates that, by 2030, the elderly population will double to 70 million; and

WHEREAS, according to Department of Housing and Urban Development report,"Housing Our Elders—A Report Card on the Housing Conditions and Needs of Older Americans, "The largest and fastest growing segments of the older population include many people who have historically been vulnerable economically and in the housing market: women, minorities, and the "oldest old.;" and

WHEREAS, many elderly persons are at significant risk with respect to the availability, stability and accessibility of affordable housing as evidenced by a recent study which indicates that 1.7 million low-income senior households spend in excess of one-half of their income on housing; and

WHEREAS, over one million of the approximately 3.7 million Americans 62 and older living in federally assisted housing reside in public housing thereby making it the largest federal housing program; and

WHEREAS, those in public housing are older, poorer, frailer and more racially diverse than elderly households in other assisted housing; and

WHEREAS, two-thirds of the public housing developments for the elderly, including those also serving the disabled, was constructed prior to 1970 and is in dire need of major rehabilitation, such as new roofs, energy-efficient heating, cooling and utility systems and up-to-date safety features, such as sprinklers, fire alarms and security systems; and

WHEREAS, many of the units are undersized, inaccessible to residents with physical limitations, non-compliant with the Americans with Disability Act ("ADA"), and lack basic equipment such as railings, grab bars, emergency call buttons and wheel chair accessible ramps; and

WHEREAS, a recent study for the Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") found that the basic modernization needs for elderly public and disabled housing exceeds $5.7 billion; and

WHEREAS, a growing number of elderly and disabled persons face unnecessary institutionalization because of the absence of appropriate supportive services and assisted living facilities; and

WHEREAS, to the extent that the elderly and disabled do not require costly institutionalization, independent living is a preferable housing alternative and public monies could be more effectively spent providing necessary services in a non-institutionalization setting; and

WHEREAS, congregate housing and supportive services coordinated by service coordinators is a proven, cost effective means of enabling elderly and disabled persons to age in place with dignity and independence; and

WHEREAS, the effective provision of congregate services and assisted living in public housing developments may require the redesign of units and buildings to accommodate independent living,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors urges Congress to appropriate an addition $250 million in the VA-HUD and Independent Agencies to support capital improvements for elderly developments in public housing; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that in addition to funding capital improvements, the U.S. Conference of Mayors urges Congress to appropriate an additional $25 million in the VA-HUD and Independent Agencies to support the Congregate Housing Services program and Service Coordinators for elderly residents in public housing.