WHEREAS:

The number of Americans aged 65 years and older is projected to exceed 72 million by 2030 and 83 million by 2050. This phenomenon has been coined the “Silver Tsunami;” and

WHEREAS:

The lack of affordable housing has exacerbated the pressure on a system already experiencing difficulty in securing affordable housing; and

WHEREAS:

Prices in the U.S. housing market continue to rise at a tremendous rate while incomes for seniors remain flat; and

WHEREAS:

Housing must encompass not only physical structure but also offer services for support such as in-home care or community centers for seniors to remain engaged emotionally, cognitively and physically; and

WHEREAS:

Homelessness is a real concern among older adults, especially for the senior population. As rents rise quicker than incomes, seniors are at risk of becoming homeless. HUD programs like Section 202 and Section 8 must be implemented to provide affordable housing for our senior citizens; and

WHEREAS:

Seniors should have affordable housing with community services that they are accustomed to, allowing for aging in place. This includes having security in their dwellings; and

WHEREAS:

Seniors are more vulnerable to poverty and homelessness than previous generations; and

WHEREAS:

As more of the baby boom generation are retiring and on a fixed income, the demand for affordable housing is an urgent and pressing issue.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to lobby Congress and elected officials on the state and federal levels to establish dialogue with realtors and land developers to provide a certain percentage of apartments for seniors at an affordable rent; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will continue to work with the U.S. Congress in the search for solutions to ensure safe, decent and affordable housing for all seniors.

SUBMITTED BY:
Juan Fernandez, President
Sheera Glass, Secretary
AFSCME Local 154, District Council 37
New York