Rent takes toll on Post Falls seniors
Robert O'Brien of Camoin Associates speaks to attendees of the Post Falls housing assessment presentation Jan. 27 at the Trailhead Event Center. The data included statistics showing 66% of senior renters in Post Falls to be cost-burdened from American Community Survey, using U.S. Census information.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press
A "For rent" sign in Dalton Gardens.
POST FALLS — Two-thirds of senior renters in Post Falls are struggling with housing costs, according to recent U.S. Census data from the American Community Survey.
Post Falls resident Frances Collicott is one of them.
After her housing situation became more complicated in the last few years, she immersed herself in resources to seek out more affordable options.
She tried to track down any leads on available housing, noting the experience has become more nuanced in her 60s.
“There is such a need for everybody, and the 50 and up community has a huge need right now with divorces, etc.” Collicott said. “They can’t afford to get housing as singles, but you can’t rent the house by yourself.”
She found the same apartment she had rented for $800 in 2018 now costs $1,100.
Facebook Marketplace, Roomster, Spare Room and Furnished Finder were among the options for housing connection apps Collicott used to try and find the right fit.
After moving in December to a place that didn’t fit her needs, she wound up having to move again in January, finally connecting with something that fits her budget closer to the $1,000 mark.
A housing needs assessment running from December to mid-January found that less than half of Post Falls residents spend less than the recommended 30% of their income on housing. The digital survey was shared to residents through email and on the city's website.
Of the nearly 600 responses, 30% of respondents said they spend between 30-50% of their income on housing and 8% said they spend more than 50% on housing.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines "housing cost burdened" as spending more than 30% of your income on housing costs. “Severe cost burdened” is spending more than 50% of your income on rent.
Among the housing options available to combat rising costs for Collicott and others in her position, the HomeShare program helps residents age in place and still engage with community safely, independently and comfortably.
Program director Duncan Menzies compared the concept to the "Golden Girls" television show.
"The majority of our providers right now are all senior citizens looking for other seniors who want HomeShare," Menzies said.
HomeShare is a nationwide program that helps match those seeking a room to rent with those who have one. It provides additional income for seniors to help them remain in their homes, and helps provide housing.
HomeShare Kootenai County, created through the Housing Solutions Partnership, provides background checks on home providers and tenants and works to facilitate matches.
For more information about HomeShare services, email info@homesharekc.org.
Collicott said Kootenai County's HomeShare program wasn't a fit for her at this time, but she hopes they can get more funding to create an app to connect renters.
“Boy, wouldn’t it be great if somebody created an app for people who don’t mind living together?” Collicott asked. "They’re on the right track, but they need more funding to make more impact."
A "For Rent" sign in Kootenai County.