Local Implementation of National Policy: Area Agency on Aging Participation in211 the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy Process

摘要

Access to affordable housing and adequate services is a problem for low- and very211u001elow-income elderly. In 1990, the federal government recognized this dilemma by 211u001ethe enactment of the National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA). All states and 211u001elocalities seeking eligibility for federal funding were required to submit a 211u001eComprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) document to the Department of 211u001eHousing and Urban Development (HUD). This legislation provided a renewed 211u001eopportunity for the aging network, especially Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), to 211u001eadvocate for the housing and supportive services needs of the elderly. NAHA 211u001erequired the lead agency for the CHAS (usually a public housing or community 211u001edevelopment agency) to consult with appropriate social service agencies regarding 211u001ehousing needs and furnish opportunites for public commentary. Thus, the 211u001eparticipation of agencies such as the AAAs was legitimized. This requirement 211u001ehelped ensure that federal funds for housing and supportive services would be 211u001etargeted to the elderly in local CHASes.