COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A team of researchers at The Ohio State University and the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) are reporting positive results from a study into helping seniors with housing needs. The ‘Shallow Subsidy Pilot Program’ started in 2024 and wrapped up 12 months later.
“Our main goals are to help individuals age or navigate disabilities or caregiving in the way that they choose. Housing has become something that is really top of mind in our work. So we manage around 12,000 individuals and our eight counties on any given day, and housing over the last couple of years has become a number one concern. The rising housing costs in central Ohio and other areas have become a big focal point. Most of the individuals that we serve are on limited income, and most older adults in general are on a fixed income. So as housing rise costs, their income is not keeping pace. And so that becomes a real pinch for individuals, whether they own or rent,” explained Katie White, Executive Director of COAAA.
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White explained how the study began, “We brought together a group to think about how can we enhance our current housing program with something new and innovative and try something out. A shallow subsidy is a little different than some of our other housing, work, which is usually one-time payment. A shallow subsidy is a small amount that we were able to provide every single month to individuals that were enrolled. So in our program, it was $330 a month that went right to individuals, landlords.”
The COAAA has been serving seniors across Central Ohio for decades. Dr. Yolanda Lewis is the Director of Community Engagement and works directly with staff who are providing services for seniors…