2014-006 - Santa Ana General Plan Housing Element and Public Safety Element Updates

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HOUSING NEEDS SPECIAL HOUSING NEEDS Certain segments of the population have special housing needs because of a special difficulty in finding adequate and affordable housing. Circumstances may include income, household characteristics, disability, or medical conditions. Within the City of Santa Ana, special needs groups may include seniors, disabled persons, large families, single - parent households, extremely low income households, farm workers, and homeless persons. SENIORS Many seniors with fixed incomes have limited income for housing expenses. Seniors may also be less mobile due to disabilities and require building features to allow greater mobility and provide a safer living environment. Seniors with limited vision or mobility may need transportation assistance to meet primary needs such as grocery shopping and medical care. All of these issues can make it difficult for seniors to find suitable and affordable housing. According to the 2010 Census, 21,911 Santa Ana residents are 65 years of age and older, accounting for approximately 7 percent of the City's total population. Seniors account for 20 percent of owner -unit householders, and 8 percent of rental -unit householders. The ACS reports that of the 10,303 total senior households in 2011, 7,212 (70 percent) were owner households and 3,090 (30 percent) were renter households. As the baby boom generation ages, the City will experience a continued increase in its senior population, potentially creating demand for lower- income housing, barrier -free housing, and supportive services that target seniors. Since many seniors live on fixed incomes, overpaying for housing is a major concern. The median income of a senior household in Santa Ana is $36,658, which is considered lower income. Lower income senior households overpaying for housing have less income to spend on food, health care, and transportation. Of the City's senior households, approximately 33 percent of owner households and 59 percent of renter households overpay for housing. Santa Ana's senior population is diverse in age, income, and housing needs. Between 2000 and 2010 the senior population increased by 21 percent; seniors age 80 years and older had the largest increase at 69 percent. Each of these groups has different health, transportation, and housing needs. The magnitude and complexity of senior housing needs in Orange County recently led to the Orange County Grand Jury encouraging jurisdictions to provide greater policy and program guidance to meet the housing needs of this fast - growing group. The Framework sets forth appropriate senior programs. JA& CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT A -21