$4.3 million grant to build housing complex for seniors

With the recent appropriation of federal funds Terrebonne Parish will provide housing for its seniors; however, with the unyielding population growth, much needed refuge may go as fast as it comes.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development designated a $4.3 million grant to the parish’s Council on Aging, and a 49-unit housing complex is already in the works.

The parish council serves 6,000 seniors through community services and outreach programs but there is critical need for housing with an elderly population that continues to grow.

U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon, a strong advocate of the grant and a voice for senior citizens in Congress, made the official announcement last Friday.

“As we rebuild from last year’s storms, we must take care to provide for the special needs of our seniors,” said Melancon in a recent release. “With this grant, the Council will be able to offer affordable housing for even more seniors.”

The new housing will be developed on an 11-acre plot, purchased by the council in 2002, and will be located next to Shady Acres Senior Center on West Main Street in Houma.

Shady Acres is a gathering place for seniors for a variety of programs including craft classes, wellness activities, recreation and even meals n but does not offer housing.

Diana Edmonson, the executive director of the council said, “After experiencing Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, there’s a waiting list for our housing facilities. We’re really pleased that we will be able to offer safe, affordable housing.”

Some seniors in the community have been waiting years for available housing in the Tri-parishes; Bonne Terre Village housing complex located in Houma has more than a two-year wait, according to Edmonson.

“The [building] process is going to be very lengthy and could possibly take up to three years to finish,” she said.

Besides providing needed housing, the Council plans to make housing adequate to the needs of senior citizens and offer a well-balanced lifestyle for its residents.

All new units will be handicap accessible, Edmonson said.

The council also has plans to expand activities for residents and seniors in the community.

“One day we hope to have a park exclusively for seniors. There we could offer outdoor exercise opportunities and even dances,” she said.

The council currently provides a number of services including transportation, nutrition, personal care, homemaking and material aid services. On average the transportation service moves 250 residents a day.

As a part of the nutrition program, Shady Acres hosts a daily lunch, serving 230 meals a day, and another 700 meals are served throughout the community to homebound residents.

To qualify for council programs, seniors must be 60 years of age or older, but Edmonson said she is not certain what the requirement will be for the new housing complex.

Section 202 programs under HUD were created to help create an environment, which allows elderly residents to live independently by providing affordable housing options and services.

The Terrebonne Council on Aging has been recognized nationally for providing extraordinary opportunities for elderly in the Tri-parishes.

“The Terrebonne Council on Aging enhances daily life for thousands of seniors in the Parish,” said Melancon. “I was proud to be present last August when the Council received an ‘Aging Innovations and Achievement Award’ from the National Association of Area Agencies.”

Andrea Carlson can be reached at (985) 876-3008 or andrea@tri-parishtimes.com