Agencies
Services
Seek to ensure older adults can age safely and comfortably in their communities through a coordinated approach that expands affordable and accessible (including wheelchair accessible) housing (including independent, temporary, and supportive), integrates services, and builds local capacity for age-friendly planning and design.
Survey state agencies on their program investments for housing and housing services for older adults, across demographic groupings, the income spectrum, and geographic zones (urban/suburban/rural) to develop an inventory of state and local housing programs, policies, and investments affecting older adults to identify gaps, inequities across groups (race/LGBTQIA+/disability/justice-involvement), and regional priorities. (Short-term)
Build upon ILHousingSearch.org to include housing resources for older adults that provides choice, affordability, and community. Promote expansion of inclusive housing options – including affordable, accessible, and intergenerational developments – across all regions and with particular attention to addressing systemic inequities in housing. (Short-term)
Leverage participation in the Housing Task Force (mandated by the Comprehensive Housing Planning Act), to advocate for prioritization of and focus on affordable housing that is targeted to the unique needs of older residents and addresses systemic inequity in home ownership. (Short-term)
Leverage membership on the Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and coordinate with the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness to prioritize strategies that address the rising number of unhoused older adults. (Short-term)
Initiate collaboration with the Illinois Municipal League to create toolkits for units of local government and private developers while exploring creative opportunities to incentivize affordable and accessible housing developments (e.g., zoning reform, low-interest loans, tax credits, streamlined approvals, and seed funding for innovative developments). (Short-term)
Engage and partner with units of local government, private developers, and mission-driven organizations to pilot new housing models and expand affordable and accessible housing, prioritizing middle housing models (e.g., duplexes, fourplexes, cottage clusters, intergenerational) that are affordable, naturally age-friendly, and accessible. (Mid-term)
Promote investment to expand home modification programs (such as installation of grab bars, stair lifts, walk-in showers, and ramp installations), assistive technology, and remote supports (e.g., through deferred loans) to support aging in place, reduce fall risk, and increase independence within the home environment. (Mid-term)
