Waiting for housing assistance: characteristics and narrative accounts of low-income older persons

ABSTRACT

The availability of publicly subsidized rental assistance does not meet demand, making waiting lists a reality for many individuals who apply for assistance. However, information about waitlisted applicants has rarely been collected as a means of understanding the demand for rental assistance in the United States (US). Publicly financed rental assistance provides an important economic resource to nearly 2 million persons aged 65 and older. Because older persons are more likely than younger persons to experience chronic health conditions and disability, it is important to also understand how health influences applicants’ perceived housing needs. The aims of this study were to describe the housing and health characteristics of older adults who applied for rental assistance. A mailed survey was completed by 267 waitlisted applicants aged 55 and older, and 29 of these respondents participated in a qualitative, in-depth interview. Survey results indicate that many applicants have poor health, experience housing instability, and lack social supports. Qualitative findings provide context regarding applicants’ reasons for applying for rental assistance, and the relationship between health and housing. Insights learned from these individuals can inform housing program and policy planning and future research using a largely overlooked population.

KEYWORDS:

• Waiting list
• housing instability
• older adults
• health
• subsidized housing
• food access

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a faculty development grant to Dr. Carder from Portland State University.

Notes on contributors

Paula C. Carder

Dr. Paula C. Carder has been the PI and co-PI of studies funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research Quality, National Institute on Aging, Oregon Partners for Alzheimer’s Research, and Oregon’s Department of Human Services. She studies health aspects of housing for older adults and low-income persons with disabilities.

Jacklyn Kohon

Dr. Jacklyn Kohon’s research focuses on community development, housing, and urban health. Current research focuses on socio-spatial change within the context of depopulation and a rapidly aging society in Japan. Prior to joining the faculty at Akita International University in Japan, Dr. Kohon worked with Dr. Paula Carder on various projects related to long-term care, affordable housing, and health. Dr. Kohon received her PhD in Urban Studies in 2015 from Portland State University and teaches courses related to urban sociology, environmental sociology, social problems in the US, and research methods.

Aubrey Limburg

Aubrey Limburg is currently a graduate student in Sociology focusing on gender and sexuality. Prior to joining her graduate program, Ms. Limburg was a research assistant for several of Dr. Paula Carder’s research projects related to long-term care, affordable housing, and health.

Emily Becker

Emily Becker was a graduate assistant during this research. She manages the Oregon Fruit Tree project, promoting food access to underserved communities.