As executive director of Vancouver Housing Authority, I appreciated the Jan. 27 story “New place for seniors” on Vista Court apartment complex. We at VHA are very pleased with Vista Court and believe it positively contributes to addressing a need for affordable housing for seniors. Vista Court is rent subsidized and requires the tenant to contribute 30 percent of their income to the rent.
VHA is establishing a separate waiting list for Vista Court and is therefore accepting applications. To be eligible, you must be at least 62 years old and have an income below 50 percent of the median income in our area.
The mission of the VHA is to provide opportunities to people who experience barriers to housing because of income, disability or special needs in an environment which preserves personal dignity. Accordingly, we do not refer to our tenants as the poorest residents in the county. Actually, most residents in VHA properties have income; it’s just insufficient to provide decent housing without exceeding 30 percent of their income.
Even though financing options have diminished, tools such as the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program continue to be available for future affordable housing programs. VHA will evaluate inclusion of senior housing in two upcoming developments in Vancouver.
