The middle-income senior population is expected to double by 2029 to 14.35 million (all 75+), with only 46 percent able to afford any form of senior housing. As the end of the COVID-19 housing moratorium in August 2021 adds to the ongoing housing problem for seniors, a new development seeks to address the needs of aging adults who are feeling the unprecedented effects of the pandemic daily.
Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC), a faith-based, intergenerational community of residents at various life stages located on 21 acres in East Dallas, recently hosted a beam-signing ceremony to commemorate its newest construction – The Peak at Fowler. This $24-million, 144-unit, 3-story senior housing community designed for individuals with limited-to-moderate fixed incomes and monetary resources helps provide a solution to the growing crisis for affordable, safe housing for seniors.
The Peak at Fowler, an independent living option for aging adults who can neither afford higher-priced apartments nor qualify for lower-income housing, will meet their needs, freeing them from physical and mental hardships and providing them the benefit of living in a community. Amenities include an art room, library, fitness program and gym, business center, courtyard, access to an onsite chaplain, a chapel, pools, community gardens, and walking trails. Additionally, an onsite service coordinator will be available to assist with transportation, food, and other needs, including aging support and navigation of healthcare.
JFC was awarded tax credit financing through The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) competitive tax credit process, enabling the project to move forward. Move-in is scheduled to begin in May 2022.
Housing insecurity touches nearly half of adults at some point in their lives. Most Americans believe it is challenging to find affordable quality housing in their communities, and more than half of all adults say they have made at least one trade-off to cover their rent or mortgage. Such trade-offs include cutting back on health care, healthy food, and moving to less-safe neighborhoods. Aging adults who may simultaneously experience a disability, illness, or reduced income are even more impacted.
Approximately 15 percent of older Texans, ages 65- 84 are renters with lower incomes. Many cannot afford to pay market-rate rent, and the poorest renters are at a greater risk if experiencing evictions and homelessness. In Dallas County, 16.4 percent of renting households owe back rent.
In addition to senior living, Juliette Fowler Communities offers children, youth and family services. These include foster and adoption services, a residential program for women ages 18-24 at risk for homelessness due to neglect, abuse and aging out of the foster care system, and a Youth Support Center where youth receive assistance to escape or avoid human trafficking and exploitation.
