Searching for housing in today’s market is no easy task, but for seniors on a fixed income it can be even more challenging. Thankfully, for those in Columbus, Ohio, the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) is here to help navigate the world of housing assistance.
Eligibility Requirements
Before beginning your search for affordable housing in Columbus, it’s important to make sure you meet CMHA’s eligibility requirements.
- The first step is providing proof of identification (picture ID, birth certificate and social security card) along with contact information of your past landlords. There are also additional requirements depending on your personal situation, so make sure to thoroughly review this section.
- You’ll then need to verify your income and assets. CMHA provides several ways to do this including, but not limited to, proof of Social Security income, pension (retirement), veterans benefits, etc.
- From there, you’ll need to see if you qualify for a preference priority position, or an existing situation that qualifies an applicant for a priority position on the waiting list. Examples of these situations would be involuntary displacement, being a veteran, people age 62 or older, are disabled, etc.
- Once you’ve supplied CMHA with all of the information above, they’ll determine if you are eligible and notify you in writing and your name will be placed on the waiting list, unless CMHA is able to offer housing immediately.
In addition to meeting the criteria above, you can also check if you qualify for CMHA’s Housing Choice Vouchers. Through this program, you are free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and are not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects; this includes single-family homes, townhouses or apartments.
It is important to note that most of the income-based apartments in and around Columbus have a waitlist, so you’ll want to get your application in as soon as possible.
Affordable Housing Options
Once you have a better understanding of what you qualify for, you can start looking into property listings. While not every rental property website is marketed to seniors, let alone for affordable housing, below are a few to help speed up your search process:
Along with the resources above, Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Affordable Housing is another great place to search for low-income apartments for those 62 years or older who can–and want to–live independently. Operating 21 income-based communities throughout Ohio, seven locations are in Franklin County, including North Community Place in Columbus.
“I’m happy here,” says June, a resident of North Community Place. “The maintenance is all done, I have a roof over my head, and the location is very convenient. The people really care about you. We are all like a family.”
While finding affordable senior housing in today’s market may seem daunting at first, it’s achievable thanks to the support of organizations like the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and Lutheran Social Services. With perseverance and the right guidance, a supportive community and a warm home can become a reality.
