All Age Well Basic
Needs Nutrition Work Group Housing Work Group One Call Work Group Social and Civic Engagement Physical and Mental Health and Well-Being In/dependence and Caregiving Community Activity Report See calendar full-screen.
Download Creating Vibrant Communities In Which We All Age Well
Download the Report to the Community 2007
Minutes, Agendas, and Handouts
What does it mean to address housing as a basic need?
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.
Addressing Basic Needs - Housing Goals
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.