Housing For Grandfamilies

"There are 6 million children living in grandparent or other relative-maintained households, according to the 2000 U.S. Census....The children come to live with their grandparents for a variety of reasons, experts say....Whatever the circumstances, housing issues often surface when seniors become parents. Well-off seniors who become parents again usually fend for themselves and move to a bigger house or add on to their current one. But many seniors can't afford to do that or to rent a bigger place. And seniors who rent may face eviction if a change in household composition violates a lease. Another problem for grandparents is how to find schools and programs for the kids at a time when their own energy and health naturally tend to fade. Fortunately, a host of new housing programs are available to help grandparents raising grandchildren--primarily those with low incomes. Federal legislation has been introduced to create affordable housing for families headed by grandparents....In some cities, buildings have been constructed for grandfamilies, the catch phrase used to describe these age-blended households. New projects are also under way in Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit and New York."

Thanks to Connie Chung