Although San Diego can boast of various affordable housing options for its seniors: single room occupancy hotels, studio rooms, one and 2 bedroom apartments in various locations in San Diego especially the downtown area and North Park, the availabilities of these housing situations are extremely limited. As I listened to the presentation given by 2 managers at Potiker Family Senior Residence, I was saddened by the federal government’s insensitive and apathetic attitude toward elders. The government has not updated research of the average individual spending since 1955 so while the poverty line is at $12,490, it should actually be adjusted to around $29,000. This irresponsibility disenfranchises many struggling seniors to qualify for financial aid and vouchers for these affordable housing options. Even so, there are hundreds on waitlists at these facilities and one of the few ways for a vacancy is if someone died or needed higher level of care.
Those who qualify for the free transitional housing programs such as those held at Sara Francis Hometel must realize that they are receiving the minimal essentials: a room to reside in for 3 to 4 months and shared bathrooms. On a brighter note, many affordable housing options are built with state of the art engineering and a modern look which contrasts the stereotypes of many affordable housing. I was pleased to learn that Atmosphere, an affordable housing complex that caters to families who earn 60% or less of the median income of San Diego, has earned awards for its sleek architecture. Furthermore, the first LGBTQIA+ friendly affordable housing in North Park has not only implemented eco-friendly architecture such as open hallways to discourage use of air conditioning but also elderly friendly aids including color coded floors and flashing door bells to allow those with impaired hearing to know if someone is at their door.
Those who qualify for the free transitional housing programs such as those held at Sara Francis Hometel must realize that they are receiving the minimal essentials: a room to reside in for 3 to 4 months and shared bathrooms. On a brighter note, many affordable housing options are built with state of the art engineering and a modern look which contrasts the stereotypes of many affordable housing. I was pleased to learn that Atmosphere, an affordable housing complex that caters to families who earn 60% or less of the median income of San Diego, has earned awards for its sleek architecture. Furthermore, the first LGBTQIA+ friendly affordable housing in North Park has not only implemented eco-friendly architecture such as open hallways to discourage use of air conditioning but also elderly friendly aids including color coded floors and flashing door bells to allow those with impaired hearing to know if someone is at their door.