May 31, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contacts: Lauren Shaham, 202-508-1219

Statement from Larry Minnix, President and CEO American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging on the FY07 Transportation, Treasury , Housing and Urban Development Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — We are pleased that the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development subcommittee restored funding to the HUD 202 affordable senior housing program, but are disappointed they did not fund construction of 10,000 new units as a down payment on meeting the dire need for affordable senior housing. The approved plan would provide $735 million for affordable senior housing in fiscal year 2007, roughly the same amount as last year. This funding would create about 4,000 new apartments as opposed to the 2,700 that the President's budget proposed.

The subcommittee moved in the right direction, but its bill does not meet the mark. There are nine older people on a waiting list for every federally-subsidized Section 202 housing unit. Affordable housing communities often offer supportive services such as meals or transportation that help people avoid inappropriately moving to a nursing home. At a time when 10,000 people turn 60 everyday and our nation's health care costs are skyrocketing, expanding the Section 202 program is a good investment.

AAHSA and its 5,600 members call on the full House Appropriations Committee to create funding for 10,000 new affordable senior housing apartments and ensure that all of America's seniors can have a place to call home.

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About AAHSA
The members of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (www.aahsa.org) help millions of individuals and their families every day through mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing the services that people need, when they need them, in the place they call home. Our 5,800 member organizations, many of which have served their communities for generations, offer the continuum of aging services: adult day services, home health, community services, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes. AAHSA’s commitment is to create the future of aging services through quality people can trust.