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Senior Citizens Getting Priced Out Of Housing
Senior Citizens Getting Priced Out Of Housing 08/15/12
Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
August 15, 2012
MIDLAND, TX – Skyrocketing rent costs are pricing many out of housing, especially those on fixed incomes. A new group of Midlanders are coming forward with housing troubles.
"Senior citizens who are living with their children because they have nowhere else to go or are going somewhere else to find affordable housing, it's that bad," said Midland City Councilman Jerry Morales.
Commanders James Silvers of the Tall City VFW says he's losing members to the housing crisis.
"We had 1 member that had to leave, they sold the house he was living in from under him and he couldn't find anywhere else to live, he's trying to live on his retirement from the air force," said Commander James Silvers, Tall City VFW.
It's a problem midland city councilman Jerry Morales is growing concerned about as more and more worried e-mails pour into his office. Which is why he's calling apartment owners to action to step up and help solve the problem.
"They can take a percentage of their apartments, 10 to 15 percent and put them aside for senior citizens with an affordable rate," said Councilman Morales.
But will the City ever mandate this? Councilman Morales says he doesn't feel that's the appropriate approach.
"I don't know their needs, as a business owner I wouldn't want to be told how to operate but I do listen to my customers and I have a senior plate," said Councilman Morales.
Councilman Morales says he's received positive feedback from his proposal and he's confident that apartments will step up to the plate and help seniors.