In a move poised to address the critical shortage of affordable housing for seniors, Pennsylvania's Department of Aging announced the groundbreaking of a new elder-friendly development in Lackawanna County. The Bucktown Center, a four-story, 40-unit senior apartment community, was unveiled by Department Secretary Jason Kavulich. According to Kavulich, the project will offer "a safe space to live in a community setting of their choice while having a new place to call home," as reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
With older Pennsylvanians expressing the need for more reasonable living arrangements, Governor Josh Shapiro has responded with a proposed budget that includes a $5.2 million investment for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This allocation would bolster the efforts of 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the state to kickstart housing solutions like the Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO), the Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE), and the Domiciliary Care (Dom Care) programs. The construction of the Bucktown project has benefited from matching funds provided by the Lackawanna County AAA, demonstrating a partnership between state and local resources in tackling this issue.
The urgency of this development stems from feedback collected during statewide listening sessions as part of "Aging Our Way, PA," the state master plan for older residents. These sessions revealed that more than half of the older adult participants cited affordability in housing and property taxes as significant obstacles to aging in place. "Older adults have told us in every community they need better housing options," Secretary Kavulich emphasized in sentiments echoed by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
The proposed budget by Governor Shapiro is seen as a positive step towards fulfilling the needs of these citizens. Kavulich highlights that the budget will enable "older adults who have worked hard and saved to retire by investing in more housing choices that would keep them from having to seek a more costly service intervention." The commitment to providing for Pennsylvania's aging population reflects an understanding of the challenges they face, aligning resources with the evident need for affordable and suitable housing options.
Efforts like the Bucktown Center resonate with a demographic that has long contributed to the fabric of their communities and now seeks the security and dignity of accessible housing in their later years. With projects like these and the additional proposed financial support, Pennsylvania sets an example of proactive measures to safeguard the quality of life for its elder residents. For more information about Pennsylvania's housing initiative for older adults, visit Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
