Affordable, appropriate, accessible housing is a strength that contributes to a high quality of life for older adults and persons of all ages. Appropriate and accessible housing also contributes to personal safety and well-being.

Housing is affordable, appropriate, and accessible.

2008-09 Priorities:

• Distribute 2008 housing report to key players, starting from the ground up (faith communities, businesses, civic organizations, housing authorities, city councils and the County Commissioners)
• Form a speakers bureau to discuss how to create affordable housing options for seniors to keep seniors in Boulder County!

2007 Priorities:

• Working with housing authorities and zoning/housing commissions to identify future housing plans and trends.
• What influences can we have to make housing truly affordable in Boulder County?
• Identifying creative housing alternatives (co-housing, shared housing) and enticing private developers to pursue these creative options.

2007 Accomplishments

1. Conducted an evaluation of affordable, accessible housing for seniors in Boulder County. Currently, 70% of low-income renters and 59% of low-income homeowners have unmet housing needs including: feeling cost-burdened, living in overcrowded conditions, and having inadequate plumbing and/or kitchens. While public and private developers are adding to the housing stock in Boulder County, there is a growing need for affordable and accessible housing.

2. Identified challenges in meeting the current and future housing needs of seniors. These include: growing wait lists, stagnant or dormant levels of grant funding, and existing buildings needing repair.

3. Developed recommendations regarding meeting the identified needs

• Universal design characteristics should be mandatory for a percentage of new construction in the county. These include a no-step entrance, wider doorways, grab-bars, and a first level bedroom.
• Municipalities should consider modifying ordinances on height restrictions of buildings, allowing taller residential buildings to be built.
• An affordable and comprehensive package of services should be offered to seniors to enable them to remain in their homes for as long as they wish.
• Personal Care Homes are a cost-effective alternative to assisted living facilities.
   

2007 Housing Report and Recommendations