Housing

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blue house with grassy front yard As stated in the Age Well Action Plan written in 2018, most older adults (73%) in San Diego County own their home, but older adults who rent (27%) report that affordable housing is in short supply. The majority of renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent. With increasing housing costs, seniors on a fixed income may be vulnerable to homelessness. Age-friendly communities provide residents with a variety of affordable housing options and locate homes near shops and services. For older adults who no longer drive, living near a grocery store, health clinic and community center is critical to healthy aging.

Vision

Older adults live in safe and affordable housing that is located near goods, services, and activities, all of which allows them to age in their community.

Join the Team

For more information or to join the Housing Team, please contact Dalija Dragisic at dalija.dragisic@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Get Connected and Learn More

Accessory Dwelling Units

An Accessory Dwelling Unit is an attached or detached residence that provides all living facilities (sleeping, cooking, etc.) on the same parcel as a single-family dwelling. Sometimes called “granny flat,” “casita,” or “carriage house,” these units can provide opportunities for multiple generations to live together, create rental income, or provide affordable housing for an older adult. The Age Well Housing Team is working on developing educational materials, including presentation slides, to encourage building of more Accessory Dwelling Units.

ADU regulations differ by jurisdiction, and it is crucial to access accurate and current information. Check out this resource, which aims to connect residents to ADU resources that help explain rules, regulations, and incentives specific to your area. For the most up-to-date guidelines and resources, check the official website for your jurisdiction or contact your local planning and housing department.

Affordable Housing

The County of San Diego Rental Assistance and Affordable Housing Directory was prepared by the County of San Diego's Housing and Community Development Services (HCDS) to provide residents and the community agencies that serve them with information on housing resources available to low-income households.

The County of San Diego Housing & Community Development Services assist low-income people and help increase the amount of safe, affordable housing within our County. To learn more and contact Housing & Community Development Services and see if you live in an area served by HCDS, visit:

Housing & Community Development Services
(858) 694-4801
HCDS.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov

San Diego County has several Housing Authorities/Commissions that administer programs like Section 8 and other housing programs. Check to see which Housing Authority represents where you live.

Homelessness

According to the Regional Taskforce on Homelessness Point-in-Time Counts, the 2023 Point-in-Time Count found no less than 10,264 San Diegans are experiencing homelessness, a 22% increase from 2022. Of those, one-quarter, or 2,670, are age 55 and over. As it is impossible to find every unhoused person for the annual count, this is the minimum number.

San Diego Regional Taskforce on the Homeless: The Regional Task Force on the Homeless is an integrated array of stakeholders committed to preventing and alleviating homelessness in San Diego. They provide essential data and insights on the issue of homelessness, informing policy and driving system design and performance.

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, 2-1-1 San Diego has live agents available to assist and answer questions. Dial 2-1-1 or visit https://211sandiego.org/housing-information/ for housing and homelessness information.

Aging in Place

Many adults wish to remain in their home as they grow older. Most existing homes, however, have structural barriers that can make it difficult for older adults and people with physical limitations to address their daily needs without assistance. AARP created the Home Modifications to Promote Independent Living Fact Sheet, which describes home modifications that can increase safety, accessibility, and independence for older adults in their own homes and discusses policies and programs that support home modifications.

Local home repair and maintenance assistance options include:

Housing & Community Development Services Home Repair Program. The Home Repair Program provides loans and grants for the repair of owner-occupied homes. If you would like more information on these programs, please call (858) 694-4847.
Jewish Family Service (JFS) Fix-It Service – Home Safety Modifications. When you or someone you care about is concerned about fall prevention, JFS Fix-It Service provides a four-point safety check, along with minor safety repairs and modifications to improve mobility and security at home. All services are completed free-of-charge by a pre-screened team of volunteers. Learn more by contacting JFS online or by calling (858) 637-3210.
ElderHelp’s Care Coordination program offers a variety of services provided by vetted volunteers, including home safety inspections and modifications such as railings and safety bars. Learn more by contacting ElderHelp online or by calling (619) 284-9281.