July 9, 2013

The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) is holding a conference, Housing Seniors & Veterans in Rural America: Preservation, Development & Services, Aug. 28-29, 2013, at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, IA. 

Made possible with generous support from The Atlantic Philanthropies and The Home Depot Foundation, this symposium will provide training and information on housing for rural seniors and veterans. These two vulnerable and often overlapping populations face many challenges. Homeowners may need help with repairs or counseling. Renters may need affordable units, face loss of their apartments, or want to become owners. The homeless or near homeless need help with basic shelter and survival. Resources and models exist to help in all these situations and will be showcased in detail at this conference.

HAC’s approach to serving seniors and veterans is grounded in the fact that those two groups are over-represented in rural America. One in five U.S. residents is rural, but 25 percent of all rural homes are occupied by the elderly, and 40 percent of veterans enrolled in the VA health system are rural. This is set against the backdrop a rapidly aging population of baby boomers. Eighty percent of rural seniors are homeowners, but rental units are also very much needed. Veterans of the U.S. military put their lives in danger to serve the nation, but then may face homelessness, live in substandard homes, or have other housing needs.

This conference will feature program overviews, funding resources, case studies and models presented by federal and state administrators, nonprofit developers, policy experts and others. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to learn and share information on ways to meet the growing needs of these rural populations.

For more information, click here.