Housing Options For Seniors

Recent U.S. Census statistics shows that the senior population in this country is growing. In fact, Johnston seniors over the age of 65 makeup 18.86% of the total Johnston population - making it number #4 on the list of Rhode Island communities with the highest percentage rate of seniors.

Many of those seniors are on a strict budget and need to find very affordable housing, while others can still afford to lavish themselves and live life to the fullest at any price.

If you are a senior interested in independent or assisted living options and are not sure where to begin or who to contact, I have compiled a list of helpful links to get you started.

The was created in 1962 to provide housing assistance to the town’s low- and moderate-income residents. Call (401) 231-2007 or follow the link below: https://johnstonhousing.org/uploads/JHA_WEB_Annual_Report_Final.pdf

Also in Johnston, The Bridge at Cherry Hill is an assisted living facility with 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week staffing. Call (401) 233-2880 or click here to visit their website.

For help in finding resources, including help with Medicaid applications and social security questions, check out the located at 1291 Hartford Ave. The senior center also has many programs and events available to "seasoned citizens." Call (401) 944-3343 or visit http://johnstonsc.net/11.html

If you are looking for affordable housing a great place to start is at the State of Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs. They oversee the management of 20,000 apartments for low-income seniors, families and people with disabilities. http://www.dea.ri.gov/programs/housing.php

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is another great link to help seniors to find affordable housing resources such as property tax relief, discounted utility rates and weatherization assistance programs. http://www.hud.gov/local/ri/homeownership/seniors.cfm

Seniors interested in researching independent and assisted living communities should check out Best of the Web Senior Housing: http://seniorhousing.botw.org/Rhode_Island/Johnston/ or RetirementHomes.com: http://www.retirementhomes.com/homes/rhode-island-senior- or Seniors for Living: http://www.seniorsforliving.com/tips-tools.php

Seniors located in North Central and Northwestern Rhode Island and seeking help with Fuel Assistance (liHEAP), Weatherization, Appliance Management Program, Homeless Prevention, Emergency Housing Assistance Program (RHEHA), Emergency Food and Shelter Vouchers, Emergency Basic Human Needs, Furniture Bank Referral or REACh should contact TriTown Community Action Agency at 1126 Hartford Ave. Call (401) 351-2750 or use the following link: http://www.tri-town.org/

For a list of licensed Real Estate Brokers/Salespersons contact the State of Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation at: www.dbr.state.ri.us/divisions/commlicensing/realestate.php  

Rhonda Sasa is a Johnston resident, member and Secretary of the Johnston Senior Center Advisory Board, member of our Mom's Council, and a licensed REALTOR® with Exit Realty The New Generation. Reach her via e-mail at rhonda@exitgeneration.com