The draft “Austin Strategic Housing Plan” made its debut last month at the City Council’s Housing and Community Development Committee. The Housing Plan establishes community goals around affordable housing over the next 10 years based on current need and future demand. Without a doubt, our community’s housing needs are huge and growing.  Demographic projections show important changes, including – among others challenges – a growing senior population.

Once dubbed the “silver tsunami,” Austin’s aging population presents some unique challenges.  How do we ensure that seniors can age in place in their communities? How can we ensure that provide sufficient affordable housing for seniors who are living on fixed incomes? How can we ensure that seniors are connected with services that enhance their quality of life?

We are fortunate in Austin to have organizations working hard to address our seniors’ housing needs. The Austin Housing Repair Coalition – a collaboration of 12 area nonprofits – provides no-cost home repair, services, and advocacy for low-income homeowners in Austin. This month, we feature the work of participating member Austin Area Urban League. The Austin Housing Repair Coalition is making a big impact in the community, one house at a time.

This month we also celebrate the incredible work of two organizations – the Austin Geriatric Center, which operates RBJ Senior Housing, and the Austin Affordable Housing Corporation, which is a nonprofit subsidiary of the Housing Authority of the City of Austin.  The RBJ Center is moving forward with ambitious plans for a mixed use development on its 17 acres just east of downtown.  The plans include complete renovation of the existing 250-unit, 16 story residential tower, as well as a brand new affordable senior housing complex. By nearly doubling the affordability for low- and moderate-income seniors (bringing the total number of units to 450), RBJ is helping to close the gap on affordability and providing much-need options for local seniors in need.

Austin Affordable Housing Corporation recently opened Villages at Ben White in southeast Austin, a 183-unit apartment complex exclusively for 55-plus residents living on 60% or less than the area’s median family income. The project was funded with housing tax credits from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The Silver Tsunami is coming. Fortunately we have already started gathering resources to weather the storm.