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A "Quiet" Crisis
Why is there a need to preserve Affordable Housing in America today?
Following one year of independent research on housing, service and demographic issues and a series of nationwide hearings, the Seniors Commission presented it's report to Congress on June 28, 2002.
The Seniors Commission found that with the aging of the Baby Boom generation, the current lack of appropriate housing and services for seniors will be even more critical, unless policy changes are made.
To address what is referred to as a "Quiet Crisis", the Commission offered Congress more than 50 specific policy recommendations to assist in preserving the current "inventory" of affordable housing for poor Seniors, as well as developing new housing to meet the needs of our aging population.
Today, as the population of our Country ages this crisis grows every day.
The Seniors Commission documented that, “Today, 12.4 percent of the U.S. population is 65 or older; in 2020, that figure will approach 20 percent. America needs to prepare for these changing demographics.”
In addition to this increasing population, the current inventory of affordable housing for seniors is at-risk:
- Hundreds of affordable elderly housing communities across the nation are in physical and/or financial trouble, and are at-risk of being lost to the inventory.
- Every senior housing community is faced with a population that is aging and in need of increased services.
- Seniors are seeking to remain in their homes, but in order to do that, more efficient ways need to be developed and implemented to provide needed services.
- Preservation of at-risk communities requires a range of expert advice and technical assistance, including new resources, new management, and even new ownership. Most of these facilities do not have the expertise or funds to pay for the advice and assistance they need.
As the Seniors Commission concluded, “this is …(a) “Quiet Crisis.”
Unfortunately, in the face of this crisis, priorities for federal spending have shifted elsewhere.
The EHDOC Plan
With 43 communities in 14 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico (and several more on the way), EHDOC (Elderly Housing Development and Operations Corporation) is the premier non-profit owner and manager of, and advocate for, affordable elderly housing facilities in the United States.
EHDOC firmly believes that it is time for the private sector provide resources to preserve and expand the inventory of affordable elderly housing and plans to address the challenge in several ways:
Provide Preservation Training and Technical Assistance
EHDOC seeks to provide training and technical assistance to owners of affordable senior communities that will improve their physical and financial operations, and maximize suitable and affordable housing for seniors. This training and technical assistance will be provided for a nominal fee based upon the sponsor’s financial situation.
EHDOC will promote well-trained Service Coordinators, supportive services and activities to assist residents seeking to remain in their homes and community.
Preservation through improved management
EHDOC will seek to strengthen management at projects where a change is needed.
Preservation through acquisition, rehabilitation and new construction
EHDOC plans to preserve and increase the number of affordable senior housing communities by acquiring existing communities and building new ones, using all available financing tools, grants, and subsidies.
Provide financial resources to aid preservation
EHDOC plans to provide financial resources, either itself or though its partners, such as seed and rehabilitation and/or modernization money, generally through loans or grants.
Increase resident participation in community activities
EHDOC plans to promote senior resident participation in community activities, including initiatives like EHDOC’s Community Action Program (CAP).
Preservation by making affordable elderly facilities into community assets
EHDOC plans to make senior housing facilities not only affordable housing, but also community assets, by promoting the co-location of community resources such as healthcare (including PACE) and services that link affordable senior housing communities to their neighborhoods.
Preservation and expansion through continued public advocacy
EHDOC plans to assure that the “Quiet Crisis” remains in the public eye by providing local, state and national advocacy for affordable senior housing.
Partnering with collaborators that share our concern and vision
EHDOC will seek donations, investments and technical support from organizations that share our concern and vision. 
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