National Partner LeadingAge Starts Work Groups for Affordable Housing Members

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

Our partners at LeadingAge Housing Advisory Group now have five Workgroups to share information among members, to improve programs, and to inform LeadingAge advocacy to HUD and to Congress.

The five Workgroups are:

1. Services and Service Coordination Workgroup: Access to services is critical for older adults served by federally-assisted housing. Join the LeadingAge Services and Service Coordination Workgroup to discuss best practices with other housing providers and advocate with HUD for stronger service-enriched housing options.
2. Resident Connectivity Workgroup: Internet access has taken on new importance during the pandemic, and senior housing communities are caught in the country’s digital divide. With most affordable senior housing communities lacking internet and technology options for residents, LeadingAge is advocating to get older adults connected.
3. Meal and Dining Programs Workgroup: A minority of HUD-subsidized affordable senior housing communities have a mandatory meals program. Many other communities have voluntary meals programs operated by themselves or a partner organization. In addition to serving residents, these programs often also serve nearby residents. LeadingAge wants to bring providers together to talk about their mandatory and voluntary meal and dining programs.
4. HUD Oversight Workgroup: This workgroup will inform HUD's changing approach to inspections and reviews in HUD housing. Senior housing providers and residents can expect far-reaching changes related to the way that HUD inspects and reviews housing communities. Both physical inspections and file reviews have been adapted during the pandemic and will continue to adapt; at the same time, a comprehensive new HUD approach for physical inspections is on the horizon, impacting the senior housing setting for decades to come.
5. IWISH Demonstration Workgroup: HUD’s 40-site Integrated Wellness in Supportive Housing (IWISH) Demonstration has been extended for two years until September 2022. The IWISH Workgroup is for the 40 Section 202 participating communities.

If you wish to participate in any of the workgroups hosted by LeadingAge, contact Linda Couch, Vice President of Housing Policy at LeadingAge in Washington, D.C.