Housing Help for Seniors in Wyoming
Housing is one of the most important needs for seniors, especially those who live on low incomes or have disabilities. However, finding affordable and accessible housing can be challenging in Wyoming, where the cost of living is high and the availability of public housing is limited. Fortunately, there are some resources and programs that can help seniors with their housing needs in Wyoming. Here are some of them:
Housing counseling agencies
These are organizations that provide free or low-cost counseling on various housing issues, such as buying, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues and reverse mortgages. Housing counseling agencies can help seniors find suitable housing options, apply for assistance programs, avoid scams and frauds, and resolve disputes with landlords or lenders. Some of the housing counseling agencies in Wyoming are Wyoming Housing Network, Wyoming Community Development Authority, and Wyoming Housing Opportunities Association.
Legal assistance
Seniors who face legal problems related to their housing rights, such as discrimination, eviction, or harassment, can seek help from legal aid organizations that offer free or low-cost legal services. Some of the legal aid organizations in Wyoming are Legal Aid of Wyoming, Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and Wyoming Senior Citizens Law Center.
Subsidized apartment search
Seniors who need low-income housing can use the subsidized apartment search tool provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to find apartments that offer reduced rents based on income eligibility. Seniors can select “Elderly” in box 2 to filter the results by age preference. Some of the subsidized apartments for seniors in Wyoming are Cheyenne Manor Apartments, Cody Senior Apartments, and Riverton Senior Apartments.
Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program
This is a new program that focuses on helping Wyoming homeowners who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and meet eligibility criteria to stay in their homes. The program can provide assistance with mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, utilities, and other housing-related expenses. The program is administered by the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) and funded by the U.S. Treasury. Seniors who are interested in applying for the program can visit the DFS website or call 1-800-457-3659 for more information.
Low Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP), Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
These are programs that help eligible low-income households with their energy and water bills. LIEAP pays part of winter home heating bills from October through February. WAP helps eligible homes become more energy efficient by providing free home energy audits and improvements. LIHWAP provides funds to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills. These programs are also administered by the DFS and funded by the federal government. Seniors who want to apply for these programs can visit the DFS website or call 1-800-246-4221 for more information.
These are some of the resources and programs that can help seniors with their housing needs in Wyoming. However, they are not exhaustive and there may be other options available depending on each senior’s situation and preferences. Therefore, seniors are encouraged to contact their local aging agencies, social service agencies, or housing authorities for more guidance and assistance. By accessing these resources and programs, seniors can improve their housing security and quality of life in Wyoming.
Benefits of housing help for seniors in Wyoming
- It can help seniors afford and access safe, comfortable, and suitable housing that meets their needs and preferences.
- It can help seniors save money on their housing expenses, such as rent, mortgage, utilities, taxes, insurance, and repairs.
- It can help seniors improve their housing quality and energy efficiency, which can reduce their environmental impact and health risks.
- It can help seniors prevent or resolve housing problems, such as defaults, foreclosures, evictions, discrimination, or harassment.
- It can help seniors maintain their housing stability and security, which can enhance their well-being and independence.
Some difficulties of housing help for seniors in Wyoming
- High cost of living: Wyoming has a high cost of living compared to the national average, which makes it hard for seniors to afford their housing expenses. According to the Wyoming Senior Living Communities website, the average monthly cost of senior living in Wyoming is $4,000, which is higher than the national average of $3,500. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Wyoming is $1,000, which is also higher than the national average of $800.
- Limited availability of public housing: Wyoming has a limited supply of public housing units that offer low-income seniors subsidized rents based on their income. According to the HUD website, there are only 2,600 public housing units in Wyoming, which serve about 3,000 households. The demand for public housing exceeds the supply, which creates long waiting lists and barriers for seniors who need affordable housing.
- Lack of accessibility and transportation: Many seniors in Wyoming have disabilities or mobility issues that require accessible and adaptable housing features, such as ramps, grab bars, elevators, and wider doorways. However, not all housing options in Wyoming are accessible or compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, many seniors in Wyoming live in rural areas that lack adequate public transportation services, which makes it difficult for them to access their housing and other essential services. According to the Wyoming Aging and Disability Resource Center website, only 14% of Wyoming’s population lives in urban areas, while 86% lives in rural areas.
Housing is one of the most important needs for seniors, especially those who live on low incomes or have disabilities. However, finding affordable and accessible housing can be challenging in Wyoming, where the cost of living is high and the availability of public housing is limited. By checking the mentioned resources and tips, you can find assistance for your housing matter in Wyoming.