Eustacia Smith (WFSSH) on senior housing crisis and SARA program
Smith, representing WFSSH which serves 2,500 extremely low-income older adults, warns that the housing plan does not address senior needs at scale. She urges the city to find alternative subsidies for SARA housing during the Section 8 shortfall and not abandon 100% senior housing.
Good afternoon.
My name is Eustacia Smith.
I'm from Westside Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing called Wishfish.
Thank you, Chair Sanchez, for the opportunity to testify.
Wishfish develops and operates housing and provides supportive services to 2,500 extremely low-income older adults, many who are formerly homeless, across a portfolio of 31 buildings in Manhattan and the Bronx.
With 20% of New York City's population being an older adult, well over half with no retirement income, 62% rent burdened, and older adults being the fastest growing homeless population in New York City and the nation, the need to scale up affordable senior housing is clear.
However, we are concerned that the administration's current housing plan does not address the needs of extremely low-income seniors at a time when it is needed most.
The overwhelming majority of our tenants have an AMI of 15% or less.
This means traditional tax credit, affordable housing is not an option for them unless they also have a rental subsidy.
HPD's SARA program, which pairs housing with project-based Section 8, has been a lifesaver for older adults, given that as seniors, their income will only go down as they age.
We are concerned that the city is not building more SARA housing because there's a Section 8 shortfall.
New York City should not abandon 100% senior housing because of a lack of federal subsidies.
Building affordable senior-only housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
when paired with services, provides a unified solution to the housing, nutrition, safety, socialization, health, and wellness needs of older adults.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
With limited service dollars to pair with housing, 100% senior housing provides an opportunity to efficiently scale services expertly tailored to meet the needs of older adults in a way that is not possible with multiple age groups.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
We urge the city to find alternative ways to create senior housing with project-based subsidies until the federal funding situation improves.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
Thank you.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.