Community Working To Find New Homes For Displaced Seniors
LITTLETON, Colo. (CBS4)- More than 100 seniors displaced by a fire at their apartment complex earlier this month are struggling to find affordable housing- fast. The lack of housing comes at a time when rent in the Denver metro area is skyrocketing and there is a lack of affordable housing.
The fire broke out at Southview Place Towers on April 6 and many of the victims are still living out of a shelter. The building's owner terminated the leases and on Tuesday night and the seniors learned the building is uninhabitable because of the fire damage and they won't ever be able to return.
"I was paying $735 then they raised it up to $875," said displaced resident Rose Sullivan.
The 94-year-old is concerned about her ability to find a new place on such short notice.
"We've known for several years that there's a major housing shortage. When you suddenly have 132 people displaced all at once that really exacerbates the problem," said Linda Haley with the Arapahoe County Housing Authority.
Haley and her colleagues are working to find the seniors homes with accessible optins.
"Not necessarily ADA compliant but they can't climb two flights of stairs to get to their apartment, they might need a wider door to get a walker through... those kinds of things," said Haley.
Cost will play a factor in the search. Most are looking in the $800 to $900 range which is well below market rate of $1,200 a month.
"I just have an income from Social Security, you know, I gotta stretch it," said Sullivan.
For many, finding a new home will be the first step toward rebuilding after the devastating loss of losing their homes. Until then, some will rely on family, others will turn to community shelters.
Southview Place Towers has promised to return deposits to all seniors. The owners gave them an extra $500 and provided some moving help. The complex says they need at least six months to do repairs before they say they will return as senior housing. It's housing the seniors hope they will still be able to afford.
LINK: Many Ways To Help
