7 Ways To Find Housing Programs For Senior Citizens

housing programs senior citizens

7 Ways To Find Housing Programs For Senior Citizens


In this community resource guide, you will learn about various ways to find affordable senior housing programs near you.

Seniors sometimes need help paying for rent, mortgage, or other living expenses. Supportive senior housing programs are usually available to senior citizens through government agencies and non-profit organizations.

There are many senior housing programs available, but they can be difficult to find.

This guide will make it easy for you to find the right housing program for your loved one. Here are 7 ways to find senior housing programs. 

1.) Section 8 Voucher Program

Senior citizens with low incomes can qualify for Section 8 vouchers, which can provide help paying for the cost of rent each month. Generally, Section 8 vouchers pay about 30% of the rent obligation.

If you are awarded Section 8 (also known as Housing Choice Voucher Program) you will receive a voucher that you can use at any property that takes Section 8. This includes apartments, condos, townhouses, and single-family homes.

Applying for Section 8 requires you to contact your local housing authority. You can visit the HUD website or call them at 800.955.2232 to find housing authorities in your area.

Once you are awarded Section 8 it is up to you to find a landlord who takes Section 8. The best places to find landlords who accept housing are websites like Affordable Housing Online or Affordable Housing.

2.) Public Housing

Public Housing programs also offer senior housing assistance. Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

If you qualify for public housing, you can choose to live in an apartment that is managed by the local housing authority. You will be responsible for paying 30% of your adjusted monthly income towards rent.

To learn more about how to apply for public housing, contact your local housing authority or visit the HUD website for a list of housing programs in your city.

3.) Section 202 Housing For Seniors

Section 202 is a housing program that helps senior citizens, as well as disabled people, live in comfortable and safe conditions. This housing program assists seniors with rent payments since most who qualify are on a fixed income.

To qualify for Section 202 housing you must have:

  • A very low income.
  • Have at least one person who is 62 years old at the initial time of occupancy.

The best ways to find Section 202 properties are to contact your local housing agencies. The HUD website has a listing of housing authorities in each state. You can also call them at 800.955.2232.

One more way to find Section 202 properties is to search websites like Affordable Housing Online or Affordable Housing.

4.) Contact 211 United Way To Find Senior Citizen Housing Programs

Nonprofits and government agencies receive federal funding to provide housing assistance to low-income seniors. You can find these programs by calling United Way. Dial 211 to reach them and learn about senior services like housing.

These groups then provide rental assistance vouchers and rent subsidies to eligible senior citizens. These programs have made housing more affordable for many seniors. However, some of them do require participation from a home or apartment owner. However, they are an important part of the overall program. You should know the rules before signing up for these programs.

5.) Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

Continually care retirement homes, also known as CCRCs or life plan communities, are a long-term care choice for elderly people who wish to remain in the same location throughout their lives.

CCRCs offer services like:

  • Help with Activities of Daily Living
  • Skilled Nursing
  • Rehab

To find Continuing Care Retirement Communities you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to get a listing of facilities near you. To find an Area Agency on Aging in your city call 800.677.1116 or visit the Eldercare Locator website.

6.) Home Sharing Program

A Home sharing program for senior citizens matches individuals who are looking for housing with a home-owner. This program conducts background checks, interviews, and follows up on personal references for each applicant. The program uses experienced social workers to evaluate applicants and facilitate the matching process.

It focuses on matching clients based on common interests and needs. The program also offers ongoing mediation between the host and guest to ensure a smooth transition. While the process can be tedious, it will be well worth it in the end.

One place where you can find home-sharing options (and more information in general) is a website called National Shared Housing. Visit this site to learn about any home-sharing programs in your area.

7.) A Place For Mom

A Place for Mom is a senior living referral service that provides free assistance to families searching for senior care options.

They offer a wide range of senior living options including:

  • Independent Living
  • Assisted Living
  • Nursing home options near you
  • Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
  • Skilled Nursing Homes

The site includes a search tool that lets you find senior living communities by location, type of care, and amenities. The site also contains articles with information on topics like financing senior care and paying for assisted living.

If you need help finding senior housing near you, A Place for Mom is a great place to start your search.

Tips For Finding Senior Housing Programs

Here are a few more tips to help you find housing for seniors in your area.

  1. Public housing and Section 8 have something called “priority populations”. This means there are groups of people who can climb a housing waitlist faster than others. One of those populations happens to be senior citizens. Use this knowledge to inquire with your local housing authority to see if they offer emergency housing assistance to senior citizens.
  2. You can apply for housing in any city, county, or state. The only potential drawback is local residents are a higher priority.
  3. Piggybacking off the previous tip…apply for housing in less populated cities. If you live in Houston or any other major city go 30 miles in any direction and apply at those lower populated housing authorities. They typically have shorter waitlists.

Conclusion

There are many senior housing programs available to help you find affordable and suitable housing. You can apply for public housing or Section 8, which has a priority population of senior citizens.

There are also home-sharing and CCRC options that may be a good fit for you. If you need more help finding senior living communities near you, A Place For Mom or your local Area Agency on Aging are both great resources.

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