Even with variety of housing options for seniors, the state still has a long waiting list for units affordable to low-income people.
"There is a growing need to provide more senior housing, especially in urban areas," says Susan Boddington, deputy director of the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation, the state's affordable-housing agency. The state provides financing programs that enable homeowners to repair or rehabilitate their properties so they can continue to live in them as they age. There are also a variety of age-restricted developments.
In Pawtucket, the Chinese Christian Church of Rhode Island raised $1.8 million to buy and convert a small jewelry factory into 17 one-bedroom units for Chinese seniors. "The 12,000-square-foot two-story building, which became available to tenants in January, is next to the congregation's new church, which was also once a factory. Residents can walk to services and other activities and to a small library in the church's basement that is well stocked with Chinese movies."
In Newport's Harbor House, some residents over age 62 still go to work every day. Harbor House opened in 2002 after $5.8 million in renovation and reconstruction. Rents are based on the income level of tenants, with 31 units reserved for those with incomes below $30,840 a year.
FULL STORY: Creative Housing Ideas for an Aging Population

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie