As real estate booms, those with fixed-incomes need help

By Megan Brown

Special to The Herald

Seniors are pros at budgeting.

For some, that might mean clipping coupons, chasing bargains or skimping on a new winter coat.

But even the savviest savers might be in financial trouble when faced with a dramatic rent increase. Low-income seniors are getting squeezed out of one of the nation’s hottest housing markets.

Western Washington has become home to high-paying employers, leading to increased wages and an influx of mainly young residents from around the world.

Housing prices have soared as a consequence, and price hikes are projected to continue, with Seattle-based housing finder Zillow.com forecasting a 5 percent increase in home prices by next August.

Zillow.com considers this market “healthy.” But that’s probably not the word a fixed-income retiree would use.

When budgeting alone isn’t enough, low-income senior housing programs offer an affordable solution.

“Usually it’s because people are on a fixed income and something happened like their landlord raised the rent and now they can no longer afford to live where they were living,” said Amy Hart, lead housing social services coordinator for Homage Senior Services.

“Our ultimate goal is to keep our aging and disabled residents in their homes. Our service coordinators link residents to resources so they may age respectfully,” said Ramonda Sosa, social services director with Homage.

Homage is present in 22 senior housing properties throughout Snohomish County to link residents with social services such as Medicaid, transportation services and Meals on Wheels.

“It’s our goal to help seniors age in place rather than having to go to assisted living, retirement centers, rehabilitation centers and hospitals earlier than needed,” Hart said.

But the application process requires patience and determination. It’s not an overnight solution.

The Everett Housing Authority leases 16 affordable and subsidized properties to seniors, with the minimum age ranging from 55 to 62. According to its website, rent for these apartments starts at $470 for a one-bedroom unit, less than half of the cost of the average market-price of $1,300 for the Snohomish County region.

Senior Housing Assistance Group, or SHAG, is a nonprofit that provides affordable apartments for seniors.

The organization operates more than 25 communities, from Bellingham to Olympia. Its newest property, Alderwood Court, opened in Lynnwood in early September. A complex in Tukwila is slated to open in january.

SHAG provides seniors with more than a roof over their head. It also has happy hour, tailgating for Seahawks games, fitness classes and other weekly activities, keeping residents engaged in their community.

“There’s always been a need for senior living, especially in the niche that we provide — this is for active and independent seniors,” said Leanne Siguenza, SHAG marketing director.

The properties are designed and managed to promote that active lifestyle for years, said Jay Woolford, executive director of SHAG.

“We purposely designed the buildings for ease of access for people,” he said. ““We have a resident services coordination group that will work with residents individually in order to help them manage changes in their lives.”

Rents vary based on the location of the complexes. Overall, the rate is lower than market rate, and residents shouldn’t expect dramatic price increases when it comes time to renew their lease.

“We have restrictions on how much rents can go up, so that provides comfort to residents,” Woolford said.

October is Housing America Month, designated to advocate for affordable housing nationwide. Hart encourages people of all ages and income levels to acknowledge the disparity.

“I think people can help advocate for senior housing by getting involved in their community — Homage Senior Services is always looking for volunteers — and talking to their community leaders and representatives about the housing gaps,” she said.