SERVICES TO SENIORS COMMITTEE
The Services to Seniors Committee Meeting was held on February 9, 2007 at 1:08 p.m. with co-chair Russell presiding. Members present were Mr. Hicks, Mr. Hare, Ms. Johnson, Dr. Matthews, Ms. Pohlmann, Mr. Stephens, and Mr. Truitt.
Agenda Additions/Deletions
Mr. Hicks moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
Adoption of Minutes – Regular Services to Seniors Committee Meeting of January 23, 2007
Mr. Stephens moved for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Services to Seniors Committee Meeting of January 23, 2007, seconded by Ms. Pohlmann and unanimously carried.
Presentations - Delaware State Housing Authority
Mr. Matthew J. Heckles, Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) Executive Assistant, provided a presentation on “Senior Living in Delaware” (Attachment #1). He informed members that the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) was created in 1968 and its mission is to efficiently provide, and assist others to provide, quality, affordable housing opportunities and appropriate supportive services to responsible low- and moderate –income Delawareans. Mr. Heckles stated that the DSHA administers public housing and section 8 vouchers for both Kent and Sussex Counties and that the proceeds from the issuance of bonds is used to provide low/below rate mortgages to first time home buyers. The DSHA provides affordable housing at three (3) age-restricted sites, which are Huling Cove in Lewes, Peach Circle in Smyrna, and Holly Square in Middletown. Providing these age-restricted housing opportunities does not violate the Fair Housing code.
Mr. Heckles stated that the DSHA has a Moving to Work Demonstration Program, that began in 1990, which allows flexibility in the operations of their Public Housing and Section 8 vouchers. He indicated that this program was created along the same lines of the Welfare to Work concept, which provides incentives for saving money, down payment assistance, and sets work and education requirements to help low income people who are receiving housing services to get out of the housing assistance situation within five years. In addition, there is also tax credit based sites and site-based Section 8 sites that are owned and operated for profit and non-profit developers and management companies. The rent is affordable because of the way the site was originally financed. The developer many times will be given a tax credit, or another type of federal assistance, and the developer is required to sign a contract to keep the rent at a reasonable and affordable level to the population they are serving.
Mr. Heckles indicated another problem senior citizens face is substandard housing, of which 27% is occupied by elderly households. Substandard housing is defined as a structure that needs two or more structural repairs in order to make the unit structurally sound, safe, and habitable. The repairs that are needed usually cost around $30,000.00 per unit. The State Housing Authority has two programs that address this issue. The Housing Rehabilitation Loan program (HRLP) allows an individual to borrow up to $35,000 at 3% interest over 15 years for owner-occupied housing. Landlords who rent to income-qualified tenants can borrow up to $25,000. The program can be used to bring the home up to code, make major structural repairs, including heating, plumbing, electrical, roof, windows, and making the unit handicapped accessible.
Responding to Mr. Hicks, Mr. Heckles indicated that it is a “rehab” program to bring existing housing up to code. The home owner has control over choosing the contractor, the colors, the kitchen cabinets, etc. They do not do new construction but will redo kitchens, replace roofs, or whatever needs to be done to bring the home up to code.
In response to Ms. Russell, Mr. Heckles indicated that they place a lien on the property and defer the loan until the property is sold by the homeowner. He noted that there is not a minimum amount of time the resident needs to stay in the home after the work is completed. They don’t usually subordinate in the mortgages. Their main concern is to make sure the homeowner pays the loan back when they sell or refinance the home.
Mr. Heckles indicated that another program that accomplishes the same results is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is federally funded and administered through Kent and Sussex County. Funds are distributed for major activities, including housing rehabilitation for low and moderate-income Delawareans. The state receives approximately $2 million dollars per year from the Federal Government for this program. There is a long waiting list for these funds and it is in high demand. The homeowner has the choice to select the contractor and the State monitors and inspects the work to make sure everything is done properly. The programs are operated out of the Kent County Community Development Office. Members were advised that they could contact Albert Biddle at 744-2480 for more information.
Responding to Mr. Hicks, Mr. Heckles indicated if a first mortgage were transferred, it would be considered a transaction and the repayment money would be taken out of it.
Mr. Heckles indicated that households over 55 have a homeownership rate of 83.7% and the rate peaks at the 65 to 74 age category. The rate declines substantially after 85 as some elderly begin to seek alternative living arrangements. Delaware State Housing Authority issues Revenue bonds to loan individuals funds for mortgages, with rates one percent (1%) below the market. They have issued four series of bonds ranging from $16 to $80 million for bond issues. They offer 30 and 40 year mortgages, as well as employer assisted Grants, better known as the “Live Where You Work” program, which is an employer incentive program. Mr. Heckles indicated the Director is working on ending homelessness in the state. They are working on presenting a ten-year plan to the Governor this week at a homelessness conference. They have a pilot program called the Delaware Mortgage Assistance Program, which is a loan they can give to individuals who are at risk of foreclosure.
In response to Mr. Stephens, Mr. Heckles indicated the waiting list in Kent and Sussex County is about 14 months and New Castle is 6 years. They do allow preferences in emergency situations. They currently have a system to inform the homeless; however, the coordinated efforts will be done through the supportive services. Ex offenders do qualify, but some crimes require a waiting period.
Presentation - Dover Housing Authority
Ami Sabastian – Hauer, Dover Housing Authority (DHA) Executive Director, stated that they have been in operation since July 26, 1944 and they primarily serve low-to moderate income communities in the City of Dover by providing two (2) Senior apartment buildings: Queen Manor and Owens Manor. Queen Manor, which is a 50-unit apartment building, is based on adjusted income and Owens Manor, which is a 60-unit apartment, is a tax credit building. To be eligible for Owens Manor you must be at least 62 years old and meet federal income guidelines. They offer nice apartments at reasonable rates. Their one (1) bedroom apartment rents for $413 per month and the two (2) bedroom rents for $493 a month. Owens Manor has an active resident association and both have active groups. They do everything from having yard sales to fundraisers, such as selling books, to fund the different activities for the residents. They go on trips, have guest speakers, and purchase furniture. DHA has a good relationship with the community and they have been able to provide medical services through their partnership with Bayhealth at the Queens Manor apartments complex. A renovated room has been donated for a nurse and podiatrists to come in at different times to provide on-site medical services to the residents.
DHA has partnerships with several churches to provide bible studies, groups come in to facilitate bingo for the residents, and health and social services come in and encourage residents to participate in the foster grandparents program. They also have a partnership with the Modern Maturity Center to provide employment services for any of their seniors who would like to go back to work on a part-time basis. The waiting list for Queen Manor is about 18 months and Owens Manor has a short waiting list, which revolves every 6 months.
In response to Ms. Johnson, Ms. Sabastian-Hauer indicated that Qwens Manor is for seniors only. Queen Manor is for any person meeting the federal definition of senior, which is anyone over the age of 62 and or disabled. Ms. Sabastian-Hauer indicated both buildings are secure, which means all the doors remain locked at all times. The tenants all have key cards to enter the building. Some of the male tenants have agreed to provide security services by sitting at the front desk and doing periodic door checks. They have onsite management for both complexes between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents are encouraged to contact the Dover Police Department when they suspect something is wrong. Mr. Hare indicated that, years ago, residents complained about security issues but the residents must take a pro-active approach and call the police.
Ms. Sabastian-Hauer indicated that the residents are advised to let DHA know of any issues with the Dover Police and they will pass the information on to the Community Policing Officer and/or Queen or Owens Manor management.
Ms. Russell indicated that a representative of FEMA will attend the next meeting to show members how to make survival kits.
The meeting dates will be discussed on a meeting to meeting basis.
Next Meeting Date and Time, Meeting Format, Etc.
The next meeting has been scheduled for March 21, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Meeting Adjourned at 2:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sophia R. Russell
Co-Chair
SRR/sr/tam
S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesMisc-MinutesSERVICES TO SENIORS2-09-2007 Services to Seniors.wpd
Attachments:
Attachment #1 - Dover Housing Authority Presentation