FORT WORTH (1080 KRLD)- Fort Worth-based nonprofit organization Housing Channel is set to develop an affordable housing option for Arlington residents aged 55 and above. The project, called Wynn Terrace Senior Cottage Community, aims to meet the growing need for affordable housing for seniors in the area. The "groundbreaking" for the project, near East Abram St. and Highway 360, was held last Friday.
"What's happening now is the market has gotten so crazy in DFW and especially in Arlington where they're getting priced out of their homes because their property tax values have increased so much," says Donna VanNess, president of Housing Channel.
Housing Channel is a 32-year-old nonprofit organization, focused on assisting low to moderate-income families in building wealth through homeownership. They offer housing counseling education, down payment assistance grants, and also develop affordable housing communities.
The Wynn Terrace project is a collaborative effort between Housing Channel, the City of Arlington, and the University of Texas Arlington's CAPPA (College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs).
The project seeks to provide seniors with an alternative housing option, allowing them to have their own homes while also fostering a sense of community.
"So this was an idea that the students had, which is awesome because I read a statistic where by 2030, an estimated 73 million people will be aged 65 and older," VanNess says. "So there's definitely going to be a need for affordable housing options for seniors. And one of the things that they recognize is there's just not a lot of choices."
"We've seen the community be very supportive of this project," VanNess says. "And we're excited about the project. They're just the right size for very low maintenance (around 600 square feet), but still gives that feeling of living in a detached single-family home."
Although applications are not currently being accepted, interested individuals can provide their names and information to be put on a waiting list. The goal is to start accepting applications in the summer of 2024, with priority given on a first-come, first-serve basis.
"So some units will be reserved for lower-income up to what we call moderate or middle income. The rent will be based on the income," VanNess says.
Bringing together various organizations and stakeholders, such as the City of Arlington and the University of Texas Arlington, to make this project a reality has been a lengthy process. However, the community support from council members and the mayor has helped expedite the development process.
When the construction is complete in the summer, Housing Channel plans to organize tours of the community to showcase the innovative and efficient design. The organizers hope the success of the project will serve as a model for future creative and innovative affordable housing initiatives in the area.
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