Housing Assistance for Seniors in Arkansas

Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Rachel

The population of seniors in Arkansas is around 1.1 million, translating to every 3 out of 10 people living in the state of Arkansas being above 50 years. The percentage of state residents above 50 years is 35.8%, quite similar to the national average of 35.3%. The median age of 38.1 years is similar to the overall in the country of 38.5 years.

The state of Arkansas falls way behind in life expectancy, diversity, and income for seniors as compared to the overall metrics of the country. The life expectancy in Arkansas is ranked 45^th with an average of 76, whereas the U.S. average is at 78.5. The percentage of people above 55 years in the labor force is 28.6%, compared to the U.S. average of 40.80%. The household income of seniors above 65 is $35,966, while the national average is $43,735.

The housing index in the state of Arkansas is 83.40, making the state one of the cheapest for seniors to retire to in the U.S. The median price of a one-bedroom house in Arkansas is $540 a month, while the national median cost is $825 a month. A two-bedroom apartment’s median cost is $687 a month, making it cheaper than the U.S. average of $1,027 a month.

Seniors who plan on living on their own can get home healthcare. Home healthcare in Arkansas costs about $3,432 per month on average. Service assistants help with household chores, daily errands, and preparing meals for the elderly.

Adult daycare cost an average of $1,733 per month to get supervised facility care during the day. Keep in mind that adult day cares do not provide 24-hour supervision. They are best suited for seniors who are mostly independent and can benefit from certain social activities, therapeutic services, and healthcare.

The monthly average cost of assisted living care is $3,013. They assist seniors with their daily duties. Seniors can get personal care and health services here.

Nursing homes are also available all around the state for persons who require round-the-clock supervision. A semi-private room costs around $5,171 per month, while a private one costs $5,779 per month. Personal care, medicine, housing, monitoring, competent nursing care for 24 hours a day, and treatments and rehabilitation are all provided in all nursing facilities. Nursing home care in Arkansas is less expensive than any other state in the country.

Housing Options for Seniors in Arkansas

1. Independent Living – Independent living communities, also known as retirement communities, are designed for active seniors who can live independently. These communities offer a range of amenities and services, such as fitness centers, social activities, transportation, and housekeeping.
2. Assisted Living – Assisted living communities provide a higher level of care than independent living communities, but still allow seniors to live independently as much as possible. These communities offer assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
3. Memory Care – Memory care communities are designed for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These communities offer specialized care and support for seniors with memory loss.
4. Skilled Nursing Facilities – Skilled nursing facilities, also known as nursing homes, provide 24-hour medical care for seniors who need more intensive care than can be provided in an assisted living community.
5. Continuing Care Retirement Communities – Continuing care retirement communities offer a range of housing options and levels of care, from independent living to skilled nursing care. This allows seniors to remain in the same community as their care needs change over time.

State Assistance for Housing in Arkansas

• Arkansas Fair Housing Commission: This commission works to eliminate discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. The commission provides education and outreach programs, investigates complaints of housing discrimination, and provides legal assistance to victims of discrimination.
• Arkansas State Veterans Home: This program provides long-term care for eligible veterans in nursing home facilities located throughout the state.
• Arkansas Dream Downpayment Initiative: This program provides down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers who meet certain income and other requirements. The program also provides education and counseling to help participants prepare for homeownership.

Senior Rent Assistance

Arkansas offers several rental assistance programs that can assist seniors in paying rent and or affording their dream

1. Arkansas Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: This program provides rental assistance to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Eligible participants receive a voucher to help pay for rent in privately-owned housing that meets certain quality standards.
2. Arkansas Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This program provides financial assistance to low-income families with children who are experiencing a temporary crisis. Funds may be used to cover a variety of expenses, including rent and utilities.
3. Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program: This program provides funds to local government and non-profit organizations to assist with homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing efforts. Funds may be used to cover rent, utilities, and other housing-related expenses.
4. Community Action Agencies: Arkansas has a network of Community Action Agencies that provide a variety of services to low-income individuals and families, including rent assistance. Services may vary depending on location and availability.
5. Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP): This program provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families who are at risk of becoming homeless or who are already experiencing homelessness. Funds may be used to cover rent, utilities, and other housing-related expenses.
6. Senior Citizen Rent Assistance Program: This program provides rental assistance to low-income seniors who are 60 years of age or older. The program is administered by the Arkansas Department of Human Services, and eligible seniors must meet certain income and other requirements.

Home Repair Grants

1. Arkansas Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants: This program provides loans and grants to eligible homeowners in rural areas of Arkansas to help with repairs and renovations. The program is administered by the USDA Rural Development Agency.
2. Arkansas Community Development Block Grant Program: This program provides funds to local government and non-profit organizations to assist with a variety of community development projects, including housing rehabilitation and repair. Funds may be used for repairs to the structure, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
3. Weatherization Assistance Program: This program provides free weatherization services to eligible low-income homeowners to help reduce energy costs and improve the safety and efficiency of their homes. Services may include insulation, air sealing, heating and cooling system upgrades, and more.
4. HOME Investment Partnerships Program: This program provides funds to local government and non-profit organizations to assist with a variety of affordable housing projects, including home repair and rehabilitation. Funds may be used to assist eligible low-income homeowners with repairs to their homes.
5. Arkansas Community Services Block Grant: This program provides funds to local Community Action Agencies to assist low-income individuals and families with a variety of needs, including home repair and rehabilitation. Funds may be used for a range of repairs, including roofing, plumbing, and electrical work.
6. Arkansas Homeownership Assistance Program: This program provides financial assistance to eligible low- to moderate-income homeowners to help with repairs and renovations. The program is administered by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority and offers forgivable loans up to a certain amount based on income.
7. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program: This program provides funds to local government entities to implement energy efficiency and conservation projects, including home weatherization and other energy-saving upgrades. Funds may be used to assist low-income homeowners with energy-saving repairs and upgrades.
8. Home Safe Program: This program provides grants to eligible low-income homeowners who need assistance with home repairs related to safety and health. Funds may be used for repairs to the roof, foundation, electrical systems, and other safety-related repairs.

Eligibility requirements and availability of these programs may vary depending on location and other factors. It’s important to research different programs and contact local agencies to determine eligibility and availability. Additionally, some programs may have waiting lists due to high demand.

Are there Low-Interest Loans for Housing for Seniors in Arkansas?

Yes, there are several low-interest loan programs available for seniors in Arkansas who are looking for housing. Some of these programs include:

1. Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) – The ADFA offers low-interest home loans for seniors who meet certain income and credit requirements. These loans can be used to purchase or refinance a home.
2. USDA Rural Development – The USDA offers low-interest loans for seniors in rural areas who are looking to purchase, build, or repair a home. These loans are available to seniors with low to moderate income levels.
3. Habitat for Humanity – Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that helps seniors and other low-income families build and purchase homes at affordable prices. They offer low-interest loans and other financial assistance to qualified applicants.
4. Arkansas Homeownership Assistance Program – This program offers low-interest loans to seniors and other low-income families who are looking to purchase a home in Arkansas. The program is administered by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority.
5. Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) – This is a federally-insured reverse mortgage program that allows seniors to convert their home equity into cash. The HECM program can be a good option for seniors who need additional income to pay for housing expenses.
6. Elderlife Financial Services – Elderlife Financial Services is a private lender that offers short-term loans to seniors who are looking to finance senior living communities, home care services, and other senior housing options. The loans have low-interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
7. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) – The FHA offers several loan programs that can be beneficial to seniors who are looking to purchase or refinance a home. These programs typically have lower interest rates and more lenient eligibility requirements than traditional mortgage loans.
8. Local Banks and Credit Unions – Many local banks and credit unions in Arkansas offer low-interest loans to seniors who are looking to purchase a home or make home improvements. These loans may have more flexible terms and eligibility requirements than loans from larger financial institutions.

Are there any Local Organizations and Charities that assist with Housing in Arkansas?

Yes, there are several local organizations and charities in Arkansas that offer assistance with housing.

• Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity builds and repairs homes for low-income families in need. The organization offers affordable mortgages and financial education to help families achieve homeownership.
• Salvation Army: The Salvation Army offers a variety of housing-related services, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and rental assistance. The organization also provides case management and other support services to help individuals and families achieve housing stability.
• Arkansas Homeless Coalition: The Arkansas Homeless Coalition is a network of agencies and organizations that work together to prevent and end homelessness in Arkansas. The coalition offers a variety of services, including emergency shelters, outreach and case management, and assistance with finding permanent housing.
• United Way of Arkansas: The United Way of Arkansas supports a variety of programs and services that address the root causes of poverty and homelessness, including affordable housing initiatives. The organization partners with local agencies and non-profits to provide a range of services to those in need.
• Arkansas Department of Human Services: The Arkansas Department of Human Services offers a variety of programs and services for individuals and families in need, including housing assistance. Services may include emergency rental assistance, homelessness prevention, and housing counseling.
• Our House: Our House is a non-profit organization that provides shelter, education, and job training for homeless and near-homeless families with children. The organization offers a range of services, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.
• Arkansas Fair Housing Commission: The Arkansas Fair Housing Commission works to eliminate housing discrimination and ensure fair housing practices throughout the state. The commission offers education and outreach programs, as well as investigations and enforcement of fair housing laws.
• Ozark Opportunities, Inc.: Ozark Opportunities, Inc. is a community action agency that provides a variety of services to low-income individuals and families, including housing assistance. Services may include emergency shelter, rental assistance, and home repair programs.
• Women’s Own Worth: Women’s Own Worth is a non-profit organization that provides housing and support services for survivors of domestic violence and their children. The organization offers emergency shelter, transitional housing, and other support services to help survivors achieve safety and stability.
• These are just a few more examples of local organizations and charities in Arkansas that offer assistance with housing. It’s important to research different programs and contact local agencies to determine eligibility and availability.

Legal Assistance for Eviction

In Arkansas, there are several resources available to seniors who need legal assistance with eviction or other housing-related issues. Here are some options to consider:

1. Legal Aid of Arkansas – Legal Aid of Arkansas provides free legal services to seniors and other low-income individuals who need assistance with eviction, foreclosure, and other housing-related issues.
2. Arkansas Legal Services Partnership – The Arkansas Legal Services Partnership is a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to seniors and other low-income individuals.
3. Arkansas Bar Association – The Arkansas Bar Association has a Lawyer Referral Service that can help seniors find an attorney who specializes in eviction and housing-related issues
4. Senior Citizens Law Project – The Senior Citizens Law Project is a program of the Arkansas Legal Services Partnership that provides free legal services to seniors who need assistance with eviction, housing discrimination, and other issues.
5. Arkansas Access to Justice Commission – The Arkansas Access to Justice Commission is a state agency that provides information and resources to seniors and other individuals who need legal assistance. They have a directory of legal aid providers on their website, as well as information about free legal clinics and other resources that may be available.

In Arkansas, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is the agency responsible for providing services and assistance to seniors. You can find all the necessary information for housing in Arkansas on their website.