In a recent government meeting, officials addressed the pressing issue of senior housing in Austin, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat senior homelessness and isolation. Alice Woods, a planning commissioner, introduced a resolution advocating for Senior Cooperative Housing, emphasizing that nearly half of the unhoused population in the U.S. consists of seniors, with many facing significant housing cost burdens.

Woods noted that 38% of seniors in the Austin-Round Rock area are struggling with housing costs, and 85% cannot afford assisted living. This situation has led to a growing number of seniors aging in place, often alone, which poses a strain on local services. She urged the city to explore creative housing options that provide affordability and community for seniors.

Carol Lilly, founder of the Boomers Collaborative Foundation, elaborated on the concept of cooperative housing as a viable solution. She described how seniors could live together in supportive, intergenerational urban settings, sharing resources and responsibilities. Cooperative housing, according to Lilly, offers a democratic structure where every member has a vote, reducing costs and fostering community engagement.

The foundation advocates for limited equity housing cooperatives, which help maintain long-term affordability while allowing seniors to build equity. Lilly highlighted the potential benefits of this model, including lower monthly housing costs, improved vitality among residents, and opportunities for seniors to contribute to the local economy through on-site job opportunities.

The meeting concluded with a call for the city council to prioritize shared housing models for seniors and to expand existing cooperative housing programs. The discussions underscored the critical need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges faced by the aging population in Austin.