Author: MJT
The Hoops and Spins of Subsidized Senior Housing
Subsidized senior housing is a great thing, because when
anyone gets to retirement age, why shouldn’t the society make sure that there
is healthy, clean and affordable housing available? That’s the reason for subsidized senior
housing. We worship the young, recognizing that the future of the society
depends on the success of the next generation. However, why do we not recognize
the esteemed value of seniors?
It’s not just about subsidized senior housing; it’s about
what happens to senior citizens as a group – a large segment of society. They’ve spent a life of hard work, dedicated
to principles of progress and building a great consumer-driven nation. Do we just neglect their needs and move
on? Of course not; these are the current
challenges and we just have to figure out how to do these things.
Hoops and Spins
I helped some folks apply for subsidized senior housing a
few years ago. It was a community block
grant situation in Northern California funded by
HUD. The application process was
relatively straight forward but tedious nonetheless. One gets the feeling right from the start
that the intent of the program is not primarily to provide subsidized senior
housing.
Rather, it seemed in this instance, that the process was a
screening process designed to filter out as many as possible. I’ve said for the past decade that the new
discrimination is economic and it is often invisible – the discrimination
eliminates even the view of the discriminated.
It seems that people can fall through a lot of cracks before they show
up on the streets homeless.
There’s Always Hope
Fortunately, most seniors find some suitable accommodation
and the role of subsidized senior housing remains a positive one, giving
housing options to millions of Americans.
The terms and conditions may vary from state to state and
some people may luck out with some great housing, while others struggle with
just the paperwork. We owe it to our society to eliminate red tape as far as
possible.
Access to healthy, safe living with proximity to facilities,
food, shopping and doctors are the basic concerns of seniors. Being able to go to church and social events
are also a plus in many communities. I hope that when my time comes – and it’s
coming – that a friendly, affordable and fun living arrangement is
available. Call it subsidized senior
housing if you like – I’ll take it!
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