The costs to develop senior housing in Florida can be reduced with government financing.
Federal, county and nonprofit agencies provide funding for affordable senior housing development in Florida. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides the majority of funding to help low-income seniors with affordable housing options. You must meet the low income-limit level requirement to qualify for a government-funded senior housing unit. HUD has determined the income-limit levels for every county in Florida.
Osceola County and Neighborhood Stabilization Grant
In February 2011, the county of Osceola in partnership with the Catholic Charities of Central Florida opened the St. Anthony Garden complex for low-income seniors. The senior housing was created with a $7 million grant from HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Seniors aged 55 and older whose income does not exceed 80 percent of the area's median income can apply for an apartment. Seniors pay 30 percent of their income toward rent. The senior complex offers residents a 24-hour nurse call system, a meals program and a community center.
Mildred and Claude Pepper Towers
In February 2011, the Mildred and Claude Pepper Towers in Miami began an $8 million project for renovation work. The Mildred and Claude Pepper Towers is an independent living facility for low-income seniors. The state of Florida and HUD provided the financing for the rehabilitation. The high-rise houses over 150 senior residents. Renovation work includes installing energy-efficient appliances, improving building systems and constructing handicap-accessible units. The senior housing community provides a meals program for residents.
HUD Section 202 Loan and HOME Programs
HUD's Section 202 loan program provides financing for the construction of elderly-only affordable housing units. Senior housing complexes in Orlando, Lehigh, Plant City, Tampa and Miami were constructed with HUD 202 financing. 202 financing includes a Housing Assistance Payment contract with HUD that allows a portion of the resident's rent to be subsidized. Seniors who live in these housing communities pay 30 percent of their income toward rent. HUD pays the remaining portion. HOME funding is also used to make upgrades or repairs to affordable senior housing complexes.
Charlotte County Housing Services
The county of Charlotte utilizes funding from the State Housing Initiatives Partnership to develop affordable housing for seniors. Affordable senior homes constructed with SHIP funds allow seniors with incomes up to 80 percent of the area's median income to obtain a housing unit. The senior must be aged 62 years or older to qualify for an apartment. Some senior facilities waive the age requirement if the applicant has a disability. These low-rent complexes allow seniors to afford an independent lifestyle.
Tags: senior housing, affordable housing, Claude Pepper, Claude Pepper Towers, low-income seniors, Mildred Claude
