Today across Maine, thousands of older, vulnerable
Mainers, many of whom have been kept in limbo for years, continue to wait for a
home they can afford.
Despite passage last November by an overwhelming majority
of Maine voters, the Senior Housing Bonds have yet to be released. With
approval from the executive branch, the Maine State Treasurer typically issues
bonds for the year during the month of June. Packaging the bonds this way
reduces costs since there are fewer bond issuances.
However, June has come and gone and the administration
continues its stranglehold on these much-needed dollars, specifically earmarked
for older Mainers in need of affordable housing.
As we have expressed in the past, Maine’s senior housing
shortage is at a crisis point. Nearly 9,000 older Mainers are waiting for
affordable housing options in their communities. Some are being told it will be
at least five years before they will have a home they can afford. Without
action, the shortfall of affordable housing will grow to more than 15,000 by
2022. It is intolerable for even one older Mainer to be thrust into such an
at-risk position when funds are available to address the problem.
Dozens of developers are ready to begin construction, but
as the funds have yet to be released, all projects are on hold.
High housing costs force millions of middle and
low-income older adults to sacrifice other necessities including food and
medicine thereby undermining their health and well-being. We know that Mainers
everywhere want to be able to age in place in their own homes and communities
safely, independently and comfortably; regardless of age, income or ability.
The Housing Bonds are a significant step toward enabling
older Mainers to do just that through the construction of new, affordable
homes. A portion of these funds are also earmarked for home repair and
weatherization of existing homes, some of the oldest in the country. Right now,
37 percent of those aged 80 and over in Maine pay more than 30 percent of their
income on housing.
The Senior Housing Bond was a bipartisan measure with
overwhelming support from the legislature and from Maine voters on Election
Day. It seems unthinkable that the Chief Executive, sworn to serve the people
of Maine, blatantly refuses to perform his duty.
Maine cannot afford to wait any longer. Contractors and
builders are poised to start construction of these homes which represent only a
fraction of those that are needed. Once again, we call upon the Administration
to release the funds immediately. Too many of our most vulnerable neighbors and
loved ones desperately need the affordable housing that has been mandated by
the people, and this is simply unacceptable.
Amy Gallant
AARP Maine Advocacy Director
Portland
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