Baseline Comparison Report: Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) and HOPEfor Elderly Independence Demonstration Program (HOPE IV)

摘要

The report compares early data from two Federal programs that provide affordablehousing and supportive services to frail, low-income elderly persons; the Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) and the HOPE for Elderly Independence Demonstration Program (HOPE IV). HOPE IV combines Section 8 rental assistance with supportive services delivered to scattered sites, while CHSP grantees provide supportive services to frail elderly or disabled residents living in federally assisted housing, primarily in public housing or Section 202 projects. The report finds that participants in both programs are much frailer than the noninstitutionalized elderly in the general population. HOPE IV participants are frailer at a younger age than are CHSP participants. Most participants are satisfied with the services they receive through the programs and cite them as crucial to helping them continue living independently. Both programs, however, have experienced problems in their initial implementation. Housing authorities operating HOPE IV had problems locating suitable candidates who were not already living in assisted housing. Finding program candidates has not been a problem for CHSP grantees, but they have faced difficulties in developing appropriate partnerships, obtaining matching funds, and recruiting service coordinators.