What are the housing needs of low-income rural residents?
Most low-income housing units in rural areas are single-family units, but many of these units may be substandard because they do not meet current building codes. Rural residents need funds to bring their homes or apartments up to code. They need access to affordable mortgages to purchase housing. In fact, affordability is the single largest housing problem for both owners and renters in rural areas, just as it is in urban centers. Senior housing is a critical component of the housing issue in rural communities. A large majority of the rural population is over 65 and often they are disabled. Many seniors live in homes that need construction projects to accommodate their disability. Other seniors need assisted living quarters or special rental units designed just for seniors, as well as the traditional long term care nursing home. Housing specifically designed for seniors is all too often not available in rural communities.
