Puyallup’s plan to address elderly affordable housing moves forward
A local senior committee and Puyallup have teamed up to push for more affordable and diverse housing options.
A new action plan aims to find more affordable housing and transportation options for seniors and share the elderly programs already in place. The Puyallup Area Aging in Community Committee (PAAICC) created a list of strategies to do so.
In 2016, Puyallup became the first city in the state to earn the AARP/World Health Organization age-friendly city designation. The designation requires a city to commit to an action plan to implement more age-friendly infrastructure and programs.
In March, an action plan to make Puyallup more age-friendly was approved by the AARP/World Health Organization and adopted by the city.
“The purpose of the Age-Friendly City designation and plan is to firmly establish and further develop Puyallup as a community where residents of all ages feel valued and supported,” Puyallup’s spokesperson Brenda Fritsvold said in an email.
According to 2018 U.S. Census estimates, 16 percent of Puyallup’s population is 65 years or older, matching the average national elderly population.
The action plan is based on a PAAICC survey of 237 residents aged 45 and older. The responses showed continual concerns of a lack of affordable housing or “where to live after running out of money.”
“Housing costs are not senior friendly,” said one comment.
“Affordable housing is the biggest obstacle,” said another.
The committee wants to provide more information on alternative housing for seniors, like living out of a tiny home. Puyallup is working on a downtown development plan that encourages more apartments and condos near the Sounder station.
PAAICC member Linda Henry said downtown and South Hill development would help house seniors looking to downsize. Others want to “age in place” and stay in their homes, so Henry is looking to provide resources for seniors looking to modify their homes.
“Oftentimes two-story houses are not built traditionally for people to stay in their homes as they age,” Henry said.
She pointed out that some homes have narrow doorways, which wouldn’t accommodate wheelchairs or other walking aids.
The action plan advocates for more single-story and accessible housing. Henry said it’s important to talk to developers about what would work best for Puyallup.
“The market is increasing in Puyallup for care facilities and retirement homes, but for some, that isn’t what they want,” Henry said.
Some of the survey respondents asked for services that are already provided, showing a need for community communication, Henry said.
Much of the conversation surrounding local transportation is about spreading the word of existing programs.
Local organizations provide senior services like the Puyallup Activity Center’s “Shoppers’ Express,” which takes seniors to grocery stores to shop for basic needs or the availability of Pierce County United Way/211 for medical appointments and essential errands.
Another objective of the plan includes educational opportunities for local seniors to learn about age-friendly activities and programs, like Puyallup Activity Center’s Ice Cream with the Mayor and monthly pancake breakfasts.
Puyallup’s Parks and Recreations director Sarah Harris said COVID-19 has impacted the rollout, but the city and the committee are working on virtual information workshops to help get the word about existing programs.
