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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
You have heard the expression that "growing old is not for sissy's." Well, it's too often true. Older citizens face a variety of problems and challenges. Trying to cope with inflation while living on a fixed income; problems with failing health and a tired body; coping with the loss of loved ones and to be an asset rather than a liability to family and the community.
One decision that is difficult for the senior citizen is to determine where to live with dignity and respect but still living within the means provided by retirement or Social Security. The Utah Nonprofit Housing Corporation was founded 34 years ago to assist seniors with this part of their living equation. The organization is Utah's largest nonprofit developer of affordable multi-family housing.
There are now 21 affordable housing projects in the state built and managed by Utah Nonprofit Housing Corporation. The properties were financed with a combination of funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Olene Walker Housing Trust Fund, Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County Loans, Federal Home Loan bank loans, Redevelopment Agency loans and contributions of land or funds from generous individuals, families, corporations and foundations.
I enjoyed my visit with Marion Willey, the executive director of Utah Nonprofit Housing Corporation. We sat in the lobby of one of the facilities, The Lowell Senior Center. This facility was very impressive. Tenants live in 80 individual apartment units that are designed for the elderly. I saw the library, TV lounge, a multi-use cafeteria room and a craft room. The apartments were spacious, clean and very comfortable.
Marion explained that all of the efforts of he and his board is to serve the low-income elderly. They work with the residents to provide access to services such as Meals-On-Wheels, Aging Services, Food Bank, health screenings and 24-hour emergency service.
UNPHC is committed to the continued development of affordable housing by leveraging funding, building new partnerships, and being responsive to the needs of our wonderful senior citizens. It's a most worthy and needed endeavor.
This is Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
