Budget: AOA letter in support of Kalispell housing study(32i Flathead County
8agencyonaging
40 1 11h Street West, Suite #100 Kalispell., MT 59901 - 406-758-5730
August 11, 2020
RE- Public Comment in Support of Housing Study
Thank you for the opportunity to voicc support for a housing study for the City of Kalispell. I ain
the director of the Flathead COUnty Agency on Aging (FCAA). We provide a wide range of
sel-vices to older adults, including information about and assistance to access community -based
services and supports (including housing), social dining and Meals on Wheels home delivered
meals, in -home supports such as housekeeping and personal care, respite for caregivers,
Medicarc/benefits counseling, veterans' services and public transportation through Eagle Transit.
L-- -
At FCAA, we are keenly aware of our area's current and growing need for more housing options
for older adults, especially those that are affordable,, accessible and located near critical serviccs
and community amenities.
This need is fueled by the rapid aging Of Our community. Approximately 28% of Flatlicad residents
are currently age 60 or older and almost 19% are 65 or older. Those numbers are expected to
continue to rise dramatically over the next 10 years. By 2030, more than onc-quarter of Flathead
residents are projected to be in the 65 or older age group.
The need is compounded by the number of older Montanans with limited incomes - one third live
on social security alone - and by the prevalence of chronic conditions and disabilities that limit
activities of daily living and negatively affect quality of life. In the Flathead, 37% of those 65 or
older report having a disability; that number jumps to 62% for those 75 and older.
FCAA staff hear every day about the challenges older adults face seeking housing in Kalispell.
Rents are high, units are scarce, many houses and apartments are not designed with older adults in
mind., and there are often waiting lists for affordable complexes. However, we are lacking current
data on just how significant the need is now and wliat we can expect moving into the future given
the changing demographics in our area. A comprehensive housing study would give us that much -
needed data and help us identify challenges and opportunities to consider in planning and funding
efforts.
I urge you to consider commissioning a housing study in the near term to better position our
community to address this critical issue.
Sincerely,
Lisa Sheppard, MSS', MPAff
Director