Research & Publications -> On-going Research -> Housing Conditions and Housing Options for Older Residents

Housing Conditions and Housing Options for Older Residents

Cynthia B. Struthers

Project Abstract

The housing assessment was initiated by the Housing Coordinator of the City of Monmouth. The research team worked with the Monmouth Housing Committee to identify housing issues and set goals for the assessment. Economic and demographic data was assembled to develop an understanding the housing situation in Monmouth and the surrounding county. Housing quality was determined by randomly selecting neighborhoods and conducting a housing quality check to determine the condition of the exterior of units in these neighborhoods. A windshield survey (including photographs) was used to describe entry ways and major thoroughfares in and about the community. Interviews were conducted with landlords to identify and describe the availability and condition of rental housing in the community. A resident survey was conducted to gain a sense of housing need, the housing market, and other quality of life issues. Focus groups were conducted with the City Council, Ministerial Association, and the Downtown Business Council to assess the housing situation in Monmouth. Interviews were conducted with community knowledgeables, persons interested in helping residents find and retain housing in the community.

Findings

Housing needs are not equally distributed throughout the community. Special needs populations such as persons with disabilities, the elderly, Hispanics, and renters are ill served by the existing housing market. The housing stock is aging and, although people have reasonable expectations about what housing should cost, new construction often outstrips what persons can pay for housing. Young families are having a difficult time finding housing that is appropriate to their needs at a price they can afford. Community dynamics may make it difficult for Monmouth to meet their housing needs in a comprehensive way. Economic instability and federal disinvestment in rural places makes it difficult for small rural communities to initiate and support housing development. Too many demands are already being made on existing resources.

Expected publication and dissemination outcomes

A Final Report is forthcoming and will be sent to the City of Monmouth upon completion.

Two presentations on the project of these were made at the Community Development Society meetings in Ithaca, New York, July 2003. One presentation discussed the community dynamics that may make housing needs difficult to address. This presentation will be expanded into a journal article. Photographs from the project were used in a workshop presentation to show community development professionals how to use photographs in housing assessments. This presentation will be used in future workshops that provide tools to community members looking for tips on how to identify and document housing needs.

Photographs from the project were used in a poster session at the Rural Sociological Society meetings in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, July 2003, to describe how rural places are losing their uniqueness due to sprawl development practices. This presentation will be expanded into a journal article.