Senior Citizen's Surveys

Region of Halton Survey

Halton Region Assisted Housing Survey.
Presented to the Elderly Services Advisory Committee
Jan 9/2001
PowerPoint Slide Show, by Mr. Jim Murphy, Region of Halton
This web-version edited by Ove S. Andersen, February 17/2001.

Presentation Outline

• Purpose of Survey and Response
  

• Significant Findings
  
• Seniors Highlights
  
• Projected Need
  
• Recommendations

Purpose of the Survey

To create a profile of the current housing situation and attempt to measure needs for assisted housing in the future

Who were Surveyed

• 23,122 surveys mailed randomly to households throughout Halton
  

• 7,079 or 30.6% were returned
  • 67% were returned from owners
    
  • 33% returned from renters

Seniors Findings

• 4.5% (5,317) of all households are seniors households earning less than $30,000 per year. 47.5% of these seniors are over 75.
  Distribution of Seniors Households < $30,000

  • Burlington 33% (40%)
    
  • Oakville 22% (38%)
    
  • Halton Hills 27% (13%)
    
  • Milton 18% (9%)
  Percentages in parentheses are current municipal population ratios.
  
• There are 1,790 assisted housing units for seniors in Halton. Wait list at least 7-8 years
  
• 73% (4,917) of singles households (6,735) earning less than $30,000 and paying more than 30% of income on rent, are seniors
  
• There are currently 214 assisted housing units for all singles in Halton Region.

Highlights of Seniors Findings

• Demographics & Housing Suitability

  • 10% of the population surveyed are seniors, 8% are near seniors 55 - 64
    

  • Over half (52%) of households with one person living alone are seniors. 80% of these are women.
    
  • 67% of seniors living alone are renters, 33% are owners.
    
  • 42% of single owners live in 3 bedroom homes.

• Housing Affordability

  • 46% of seniors households have incomes of less than $30,000 per year. 47.5% of these seniors are 75+
    

  • 23.6% of seniors households have incomes of less than $20,000 per year. 50.5% of these seniors are 75+
    
  • 73% of single renters earning < $30,000 who indicated they can't afford to move are seniors.

• Subsidized Housing & Waiting List

  • 6% of renter households have a member on the waiting list. 31% of these are single seniors
    

  • 1% of owner households have a member on the waiting list. The largest group is single seniors.
    
  • 82% of households with members on the waiting list have incomes < $30,000.

• Housing Conditions & Adequacy

  • 2% of owner and 5% of renter households require a separate bedroom for health reasons. A majority of these were seniors.

• Housing Support Needs

  • 3% of owner & 10% of renter households need help to live independently. 33% of owners and 19% of renters indicated that they didn't have that help

Projected Need in Halton Region

• 11,130 renter households currently pay more than 30% of income on rent and earn less than $30,000 per year. These households are at risk of becoming homeless
  

• 14,530 units of assisted housing are required over the next 10 years to fill the current need and to anticipate population growth.

Recommendations

• Senior levels of government must enhance current assistance programs and renew their commitment to affordable housing.
  

• The Region of Halton must ensure that all available Federal and Provincial housing and support programs are being maximised.
  
• The Region of Halton must continue to take the lead by forming and maintaining partnerships with the private and public sector to increase affordable housing.