environment in which a person lives, subsequently impacting their ability to have access to quality and nutritious food, air quality, transportation, medical services, and so much more. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, only 30% of a person’s health is determined by their own behavior. The other 70% of a person’s health is comprised of environmental, social, and economic factors, and access to quality and affordable health care. 7 Housing impacts much of a person’s health outcomes, and is subsequently important to focus on as we build a more livable and healthy community in Pima County.
Older Adults Reporting How Often They Have Trouble Paying Monthly Bills
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Rent or Mortgage
House Utilities
Other Bills & Living Expenses
Since the last Community Needs Assessment, we have worked with our local county and city housing departments to increase the affordability and available housing stock in Pima County. In 2022, we supported a City of Tucson effort to allow more accessible dwelling units, which would increase housing stock and likely decrease the overall price of rental units in the city. In 2023, we worked with AZAging, our statewide association of Area Agencies on Aging, to advocate for funding for the Area Agencies on Aging to launch a pilot program that had already been proven successful in Pima County–helping older adults in need to pay for one-time fees related to moving, housing, and utilities. For many older adults, when a person does find affordable and sustainable housing, one-time fees, first and last month rental deposits, utility set up fees, and the cost of movers can make it nearly impossible for them to seize the more affordable opportunity. Through our pilot program, people in need access a limited fund of money available one-time for these types of expenses. In the coming years, we need to make a concerted effort to continue to advocate for more frequent and effective solutions to our affordable housing crisis. These solutions can be numerous and wide-ranging in nature, but should include: • Supporting the production of affordable housing units designated for older adults throughout Pima County. • Supporting the funding of the Arizona Housing Trust Fund and funding for other affordable housing navigation programs that help older adults either find new homes or remain in their existing home. • Encouraging homeless services providers to eliminate criteria such as “job searching” for older adults in homeless shelters. • Supporting the continuation of funding to Area Agencies on Aging to provide housing and housing related services.
7 (Chart Book: Housing and Health Problems Are Intertwined. So Are Their Solutions., 2022)
A Report to the Community
Pima Council on Aging
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