AARP: Shortage grows more severe in low-income senior housing

Many low-income older Americans have to wait more than a year for housing, according to a new report from AARP.

Waiting lists average 50 people for Section 202 subsidized low-income rental housing for the elderly, the nationwide survey found. Also, the wait for a unit averages more than a year (13.4 months); and one in 10 property managers have totally closed their waiting lists. Section 202 is the federal program that funds construction of housing for older persons.

AARP, the seniors lobbying group, and the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, the second-largest U.S. nursing home association, this week challenged the Bush administration and Congress to improve the housing situation.