Addressing the Growing Crisis: Battling Senior Housing Challenges in Georgia
Nationwide, 5.8 million people in the United States over the age of 65 live at or below the poverty level – that’s just over 10 percent of the elderly population. While the poverty rate among seniors has decreased in the past few decades, the total number of people over the age of 65 who are in dire financial need has increased, meaning there’s more call for facilities and services than ever before.
The problem is worse in Georgia than in most other states. One study showed that 11 percent of Georgia seniors live in poverty – a rate worse than that in 41 other states – and nearly 54 percent of older Georgians struggle to pay for basic necessities. Since many are unable to work and are living on a fixed income, recent problems such as inflation hit the elderly particularly hard.
Volunteers of America Southeast is dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing for seniors in Georgia. Our six different locations across the state offer low-income seniors a chance to live in a safe and supported community with other people their own age.
How Does Affordable Senior Housing from VOA Southeast Work?
VOA Southeast provides affordable housing for income-eligible seniors. But we go beyond simply providing shelter. VOA Southeast’s senior housing creates environments that actively contribute to the health and well-being of seniors by addressing their unique needs and reducing risks associated with aging.
A Place to Find Community
Meet Joyce, a resident at Central Walnut Village, a 34-unit senior housing complex in Waycross, GA. Joyce came to Central Walnut six years ago, after she lost her second husband, Jerry, and had to move in with other family members temporarily while she looked for a more permanent place to stay. Born and raised in Ohio, Joyce was one of nine children in her family. She was married twice and has one son, Jimmy, and four grandchildren who live about eight hours away.
For years, Joyce has taken the time each day to reach out and make life better for other residents at the village: she runs the community’s morning Coffee Club, waking up early each day to prepare coffee for the other residents before people get up, and she regularly helps wash clothes, check the mail, and prepare meals for people in the complex who have trouble with mobility.
VOA Southeast’s affordable housing options in Georgia not only provide seniors like Joyce with an affordable place to live – they give them the chance to be members of a community of support, where they have access to services from VOA and help from one another to help them get by as they age.
Support Our Work
When you support Volunteers of America Southeast, you help make affordable homes for the elderly a reality throughout Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. VOA Southeast works with seniors, veterans, the disabled, and people who are struggling with mental health and substance abuse problems to get them the help and support they need.
Donate today to give low-income seniors a place to live and access to the care and services they need to live with the grace and dignity they deserve.
How Do I Find Affordable Senior Housing in Georgia?
VOA Southeast operates six different affordable housing locations in Georgia alone. Here are the addresses, contact information, and basic information for each location.
Central Walnut Village
904 Central Avenue
Waycross, GA 31501
912-285-9725
Central Walnut Village has 34 one-bedroom units available for rent for seniors ages 62 and up.
Hunter’s Run
531 M. Friedman Drive
Sandersville, GA 31082
478-552-5254
Hunter’s Run has 40 efficiency and one-bedroom apartments available for seniors ages 62 and up. Amenities include an on-site service coordinator, a laundry room, community room, recreation room, on-site religious services, and daily activities such as bingo, arts and crafts, game days, and chair exercises.
Joy Court Village
167 B Hosana Circle
Americus, GA 31709
229-924-1917
Joy Court Village has 20 1,100 square foot one-bedroom units in the form of first-story duplexes. Amenities include laundry facilities and a multi-use room.
Pine Meadows
1315 W. Gordon Street
Douglas, GA 31533
(912) 383-7070
Pine Meadows provides 2-bedroom houses for rent for low income seniors. Community amenities include a fitness center, a furnished community room, an outdoor patio and grill area, a picnic pavilion, and a community garden.
Residences at Newnan Crossing
2071 Newnan Crossing Blvd
Newnan, GA 30265
404-841-2227
The Residences at Newnan Crossing offer one- and two-bedroom apartments for seniors ages 62 and up. Amenities include a fitness center, walking paths, a community garden, a game room, a furnished community room, and a business center.
St. Catherine’s Village
610 St. Catherines Drive
Waycross, GA 31501
912-387-2688
St. Catherine’s Village is a 14 unit complex with one-bedroom apartments for seniors ages 62 and up.
What Services are Offered with VOA Southeast’s Senior Housing?
In addition to providing affordable housing, VOA Southeast through its community partnerships offers Georgia seniors support services to help them lead better, healthier lives as they age.
More FAQs about Affordable Housing for Seniors in Georgia
Here are some more answers to commonly asked questions about affordable housing for seniors in Georgia.
What is considered low income for senior citizens in Georgia?
In order to qualify for VOA Southeast’s affordable senior housing program in Georgia, seniors need to have an annual income of $21,500 or less before deductions. That amount is specific to VOA Southeast’s housing program however – other senior assistance programs in Georgia, such as programs helping seniors pay utility bills, have different thresholds for what qualifies as low income, some closer to the $12,000 to $15,000 range.
Is there financial help for the elderly in Georgia?
Georgia’s Division of Aging Services (DAS) coordinates with groups throughout the state to provide support services for seniors in need. Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) are a good place to start if you or a loved one are trying to find out where you can turn for assistance from the state of Georgia or from other charitable organizations. Find your local AAA office here.
What are the rules for staying in affordable senior housing?
In order to qualify for VOA Southeast’s affordable senior housing, seniors need to:
- Meet the income requirement of $21,500 per year or less
- Pass a background check
- Pass an annual recertification each year
Does Medicare cover assisted living in GA?
No. Unfortunately, neither Medicare nor Medicaid cover assisted living expenses for seniors in the state of Georgia. However, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides rental assistance for people looking for affordable senior housing.
We Need You to Fulfill Our Mission
For years, Volunteers of America Southeast has been making a measurable impact on the lives of people in need throughout Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. When you contribute to our organization, you make affordable housing and an array of support services possible for seniors, veterans, and people suffering from disabilities and other conditions that affect their daily life.