Option 1: Congregate Housing Services Program
HUD’s Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) funds meals and other supportive services for frail elderly and non-elderly disabled residents of federally subsidized housing.
- It supports meal delivery and non-medical supportive services that help residents maintain independent living.
- Properties must offer at least one hot meal per day.
- Many Public Housing, Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance, Section 202 and Section 515 properties dedicated to serving seniors and disabled residents participate in this program.
- You can check with the owner or property manager to see if they receive CHSP funds and what services are provided.
Option 2: Service Coordinator Grant Program
Owners of HUD-assisted multifamily housing designed for the elderly can participate in the Service Coordinator Grant Program.
- These grants pay for service coordinators who help connect tenants with social and health services provided by other organizations in the area.
- Service coordinators do not provide resident care, but do help connect residents to health and wellness services, transportation, meal services and other community resources.
- Most of these properties receive either Section 202 rental assistance or Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance so they are affordable to seniors with the lowest incomes.
- You can ask the owner or property manager if there is a service coordinator and what services are available for residents
Option 3: Area Agency on Aging
If you are a senior looking for housing or trying to find supportive services, the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can provide referrals and other assistance.
- AAAs were established under the 1973 Older Americans Act to respond to the needs of those 60 years old and older in every community.
- AAAs provide direct services and coordinate with other local service organizations to meet senior housing, health and other needs.
- They act as resource centers and provide service referrals, they often oversee the local Meals on Wheels program, and support home health care programs.
- They have five core services either provided directly or in partnership with other agencies: nutrition, health and wellness, caregivers, elder rights and supportive services.
- You can get contact information for your local Area Agency on Aging through the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging website.
