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Pleased to share an initial response, as Housing and Ageing Alliance Chair, on the Older People’s Housing Taskforce report.   Publication of the taskforce's report is a hugely important step forward in addressing the urgent need for more appropriate housing for our ageing society. Housing and Ageing Alliance members worked closely with the taskforce and it is very welcome that many of our asks are reflected. Having a target of 10% of delivery through the Affordable Homes Programme for older people’s housing could make a real difference for the many thousands of people who would like to move but are unable to do so because of a lack of options. So too could the focus on ensuring planning guidance encourages delivery. We were also pleased to see the emphasis in the report on the need for information, advice and advocacy around housing and care options in later life. While the taskforce’s focus was on increasing supply of dedicated homes for a segment of older people, it is good to also see the recognition that this is an important but by no means the only solution for our ageing society. Investment is also needed to maintain existing socially rented specialist housing and to support the many older people who wish to remain in mainstream homes for as long as possible. It is now crucial the recommendations are implemented quickly and that government engages more widely and with older people themselves to ensure the needs of everyone, including all older people, are reflected in its housing strategy. The HAA is made up of individuals from local and national organisations working together with a single objective; to bring about improvements to the housing and living conditions of older people. HAA members include representatives from the Centre for Ageing Better, Age UK, the Chartered Institute of Housing, National Housing Federation, Associated Retirement Community Operators and specialist providers in both the social and private markets. Membership reflects a range of housing interests, including older people who are active in housing related networks, national organisations from the statutory, voluntary and private sectors and those involved in policy development and representation on various housing related advisory bodies. You can find more about the HAA at: https://lnkd.in/egkgC8eX

Affordable Housing for All Act: A Game-Changer for Special Needs Housing As an industry expert in Special Needs Housing, I'm excited to share my insights on the recently introduced "Affordable Housing for All Act" by Senator Raphael Warnock. This groundbreaking legislation has the potential to revolutionize the affordable housing landscape, particularly for individuals with special needs. Key Takeaways: 1. Substantial Funding: The bill proposes allocating $10 billion annually for five years to support affordable housing initiatives. This significant investment could be a game-changer for the Special Needs Housing sector, enabling the development of more accessible and inclusive housing options. 2. Increased Supply: With the goal of adding 1.5 million affordable housing units over the next decade, this legislation aligns perfectly with the growing demand for Special Needs Housing. As our industry continues to advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities, this increased supply will be crucial in ensuring access to suitable housing options. 3. Quality Improvements: The bill's focus on repairing and renovating existing affordable housing is equally important. Many individuals with special needs require specific accommodations and accessibility features. Funding for quality improvements will help ensure that existing housing stock meets the unique needs of this population. Implications for the Industry: The introduction of the "Affordable Housing for All Act" comes at a critical time for the Special Needs Housing industry. With the housing crisis disproportionately affecting low-income communities and individuals with disabilities, this legislation offers a glimmer of hope. As industry professionals, we must seize this opportunity to advocate for the inclusion of Special Needs Housing provisions within the bill. Moreover, the passage of this legislation could spur innovation and collaboration within our industry. It may attract new investors, developers, and service providers who are passionate about creating accessible and affordable housing solutions. We must be prepared to leverage these opportunities and forge strategic partnerships to maximize the impact of this funding. Call to Action: I urge all professionals in the Special Needs Housing industry to actively engage with this legislation. Reach out to your representatives, share your expertise, and emphasize the critical importance of inclusive housing policies. Let's come together as an industry to support the "Affordable Housing for All Act" and ensure that individuals with special needs have access to the quality, affordable housing they deserve. I welcome your thoughts, experiences, and insights on this topic. Together, we can shape the future of Special Needs Housing and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. #SpecialNeedsHousing #AffordableHousingForAll #HousingEquity #Accessibility

🌟 Elevating Communities Through Affordable Housing 🌟 Affordable housing is more than a roof—it’s about creating opportunities, stability, and hope. At Tran Family Properties, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible homes that empower tenants while fostering inclusivity and sustainability. ✅ Defined by law, affordable housing costs no more than 30% of household income, with subsidies like Section 8 bridging the gap. ✅ Support services such as financial literacy, job training, and community engagement elevate tenants beyond housing. ✅ Together, we build stronger communities, where everyone can thrive. Explore how we’re transforming lives through affordable housing: #AffordableHousing #TranFamilyProperties #CommunityImpact #HousingForAll #Section8 #Empowerment #SustainableLiving #Inclusivity #FinancialLiteracy #OpportunityForAll https://lnkd.in/eEdJTA9t

More detail coming on Tuesday on #planningreform. 👏🏻👏🏻🏡🏡 #housingcrisis #buildsocial #socialhousing #ukhousing #affordablehousing #temporaryhousingcrisis #housingassociations #localauthorityhousing

Homes England should set aside 10% of its grant programme for older people’s housing, the Housing and Ageing Alliance has said: The Housing for Ageing Alliance (HAA) proposes comprehensive strategies for housing older citizens, urging local authorities to map existing housing, prioritize housing for seniors in planning, and implement increased accessibility standards. They advocate for affordable repair and adaptation services for older individuals. Mario Ambrosi emphasizes the urgent need for action, including immediate implementation of accessibility standards and the development of a national housing strategy for older people. John Tonkiss underscores the necessity for radical action, supporting the alliance's call for increased output of housing for older people. The government acknowledges the importance of accommodating older people's changing needs and has established an Older People’s Housing Taskforce to improve housing choice. This initiative follows recommendations from the Mayhew Review, highlighting the need for up to 50,000 new homes per year targeted at older people.

🌟 Elevating Communities Through Affordable Housing 🌟 Affordable housing is more than a roof—it’s about creating opportunities, stability, and hope. At Tran Family Properties, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible homes that empower tenants while fostering inclusivity and sustainability. ✅ Defined by law, affordable housing costs no more than 30% of household income, with subsidies like Section 8 bridging the gap. ✅ Support services such as financial literacy, job training, and community engagement elevate tenants beyond housing. ✅ Together, we build stronger communities, where everyone can thrive. Explore how we’re transforming lives through affordable housing: #AffordableHousing #TranFamilyProperties #CommunityImpact #HousingForAll #Section8 #Empowerment #SustainableLiving #Inclusivity #FinancialLiteracy #OpportunityForAll https://lnkd.in/eEdJTA9t

Trauma-informed #housing is a promising approach that aims to redress structural harms and improve the well-being of residents by centering their lived experiences and empowering them in decisions that affect their homes. A new brief from Urban Institute housing experts explores the need for trauma-informed approaches and a framework for #affordablehousing designed by Preservation of Affordable Housing, a nonprofit developer. The researchers find that investing in the empowerment and inclusion of residents in the design and management of their homes: ✅ acknowledges and works to redress the harms of generations of exclusion and trauma related to housing systems; ✅ creates safer, more accessible housing that reflects residents’ needs and lived experiences, helps to prevent more harm, supports resilience through ongoing stressors and trauma, and sparks joy and pride; ✅ builds stronger relationships and trust between staff and residents and improves resident engagement and leadership; and ✅ aims to improve resident well-being, housing stability, and economic security https://urbn.is/3TjuOwa

Welcome to the "ABCs of Affordable Housing"! Throughout December, we are diving deep into key terms and concepts that shape affordable housing policies and impact communities nationwide. Today, A is for Area Median Income (AMI), an essential metric used by policymakers and developers to determine eligibility for affordable housing programs. AMI measures the midpoint of a region's income distribution—half of the families earn more, and half earn less. This figure is calculated annually by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and varies widely across different areas depending on the economic conditions and demographic profiles. Understanding AMI is crucial because it forms the backbone of defining affordability in housing. Affordability levels, often calculated as percentages of AMI, dictate who qualifies for various housing assistance programs. These thresholds are vital for ensuring that housing efforts are appropriately targeted to support those in need, providing a structured way to allocate resources effectively and fairly. As we continue our journey through the alphabet of affordable housing, stay tuned for more insights that shed light on the complexities and challenges of ensuring everyone has access to affordable, quality housing. Most affordable housing projects are designed with low-income tenants in mind, typically targeting individuals and families earning around 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For even greater accessibility, some projects aim for deeper affordability by reserving units for those earning 50% of AMI, categorized as very low-income, or 30% of AMI, considered extremely low-income. These targeted efforts ensure that the spectrum of housing needs is addressed, providing vital support to those who are most financially vulnerable. Get excited for a month full of learning and discussion—don’t forget to like, share, and tag your friends to spread the knowledge and join the conversation on affordable housing! #AffordableHousing #AreaMedianIncome #HousingPolicy #CommunityDevelopment #SocialImpact #HousingCrisis #EconomicEquality #UrbanDevelopment #PolicyChange #AffordableLiving #AffordableHousingForum

BC's Indigenous-led housing project is set to bring 1,600 affordable rental homes, both on and off reserves, to address the housing needs of Indigenous communities. This initiative is important because it directly addresses the housing crisis that disproportionately affects Indigenous communities in British Columbia. Indigenous people face significant barriers to securing safe, affordable housing, both on and off reserves. This project not only provides much-needed shelter but also promotes culturally supportive environments, which are essential for fostering healing, community, and resilience within these communities. Furthermore, it’s a major step toward reconciliation. By prioritizing Indigenous leadership and culturally sensitive housing, the government acknowledges and begins to rectify long-standing inequalities. The investment also underscores a broader commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous families, elders, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to housing that respects their cultural heritage and community needs. This type of development sets a precedent for how housing solutions can contribute to both social justice and economic stability, making it a model for future efforts in addressing housing needs within marginalized populations. #AffordableHousing #IndigenousHousing #Reconciliation #BCHousing https://lnkd.in/gUmU5jtH

This large national survey found broad-based support for housing reform across policy areas and income levels. Such results can strengthen decision makers’ resolve to move forward on important reforms. On the flipside, some policy tools are met with skepticism, partly because they depend on context. Development Strategies often educates communities about scenarios where particular tools and policies are most effective and appropriate. We don’t recommend every policy in every place all of the time. The value of a good housing strategy comes from tailoring tools to the needs of specific place. #InterestingRead #Housing #Affordability