Secure housing difficultfor some seniors

I can’t buy in Channel Cove but WANT to. As a single senior of 77 years with limited income, and a home in Shelter Bay, I am selling because I can no longer maintain it physically or financially. I am one of many who falls through the cracks in society … Teaching art at Senior Centers and drawing Social Security puts me just above poverty line but not enough income for rentals or sales that are affordable.

As a resident of La Conner for fourteen years, and a contributing citizen, teaching art, docent-ing and volunteering at MoNA, I would prefer to stay in La Conner. I have known for a while that I would have to sell my house. My mortgage is low by design, less than rents in the area.

When I heard about Channel Cove, I thought, perfect! Thanks to folks in La Conner who referred me to the Home Trust Director, I attended the Home Trust meeting. Although my annual income falls into low/middle range for qualifying buyers my house sale proceeds would reduce mortgage at Channel Cove to a manageable amount, and I would remain in La Conner.

When I built in Shelter Bay my income was different. I had enough funds recommended for at least one year before I established myself locally as a realtor (I did this successfully back east). Unfortunately, the market tanked soon after, and I spent down savings to survive, never missing a payment and paying increasing fees in Shelter Bay. Fees are increasing again, and my body says it’s time to make changes.

So, as the July 17 Channel Cove article points out, the folks at the meeting had various motivations for wanting to buy in the community, with varying financial situations. I believe that my situation has as much merit as any others, only I will have the proceeds from my house sale and a paltry annual income to carry me through my remaining years, which might equal what others have, who, on their way “up,” have a future of earnings greater than they have today. My up-front “asset” plus Social Security and teaching income, on paper, would be equal to or less than theirs.

I was told that these units in Channel Cove are more for folks who have been in bad financial times, are “couch-surfing,” or otherwise need housing, not necessarily first-time homebuyers. They have to pass rigorous financial counseling, get a mortgage approval and build their credit (mine’s good). I was told, that “Oh, Dee, we know so many single seniors are in your position …”

Paying into society for all of our lives, and living at just above the poverty line but not high enough to have permanent housing that doesn’t need constant repairs, or, put to pasture in less than safe or secure senior housing … if this is the case for many of my single senior acquaintances, is it not time to change the system and acknowledge that we deserve decent housing as well?