INTRODUCING cOTTAGES uNITED

Many older Oregonians are entitled to Social Security benefits. However, these benefits (currently maxed at $841.00 for an individual) remain well below the poverty line and often fail to cover the cost of housing. Truthfully, a senior person relying on benefits cannot afford housing at the Free Market Rate anywhere in the country. The National Low Income Housing Coalition considers housing affordable if it costs no more than 30% of a person’s income. Throughout the nation, there are at least 9 seniors waiting for every occupied unit of affordable elderly housing. Furthermore, the waiting list for affordable senior housing is often three to five years. With less income for other necessities such as food, medicine, and health care, these populations are particularly vulnerable to homelessness.

Introducing Cottages United.
We’ve worked very hard over the last few years to create a sustainable, affordable solution to the every growing issue of seniors at risk of homelessness. Our first project is a cluster of cottages in East Salem. Working with the City of Salem to purchase a small plot of land, we've created plans for an intentional community of small, safe, affordable homes that are tastefully designed and supported by the surrounding community.
PROJECT GOALS:
  • Build Affordable, Safe, and Sustainable Housing
  • Initial Priority for Seniors, Women and Veterans
  • Monthly combined cost for rental and utilities of no more than $500
  • Meet Building/Energy Codes and ADA Standards
  • Durable and Functional as well as Cost Effective Construction
  • Easily Replicable/Multiple Communities
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITES:
Does assuring safe, affordable housing for seniors call to your philanthropic heart? Help us create this community so we can replicate it in others, choose an area below and use the links to support where it means the most to you.
United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley Gets Go Ahead for Building Cottage Clusters for Seniors - Download the press release
THE DATA:
The Elder Index is a measure of the income that older adults who are living in the community, without public or private assistance and not in institutions, need to meet their basic needs and age in place with dignity. In Oregon, older adults receive, on average, $1,403 in Social Security benefits each month.

​The Elder Index reports the monthly cost of living for seniors as:
Marion County: Single, renters $1,756, home owners $1,757. Couples, renters $2,534, home owners $2,633.
Polk County: Single, renters $1,615, home owners $1,749. Couples, renters $2,492, home owners $2,626.