Fairfax County, Virginia is a bustling and diverse community located just outside of Washington D. C. With a population of over 1.1 million people, it is the most populous county in the state of Virginia. As such, it is no surprise that Fairfax County has a significant number of senior citizens who call it home.
In fact, according to the U. S. Census Bureau, over 12% of the county's population is aged 65 or older.
The Importance of Affordable Housing for Seniors
As the baby boomer generation continues to age, the need for affordable housing options for seniors becomes increasingly important. Many seniors live on fixed incomes and struggle to keep up with rising housing costs.This can lead to financial strain and even homelessness for some individuals. In Fairfax County, there is a growing recognition of the need to address this issue and ensure that seniors have access to safe and affordable housing options.
Policies in Fairfax County, VA
Fairfax County has implemented several policies aimed at addressing the issue of affordable housing for seniors. These policies are designed to provide assistance and support to seniors in need, while also promoting diversity and inclusivity within the community.Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Relief Program
One of the most significant policies in place is the Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Relief Program. This program provides tax relief for eligible seniors who own their homes in Fairfax County.To qualify, individuals must be 65 years or older, have a combined household income of less than $99,472, and have a net worth of less than $540,000 (excluding their primary residence). The amount of tax relief provided is based on a sliding scale, with those who have lower incomes receiving a higher percentage of relief.
Senior Homeowner's Tax Credit
In addition to the Real Estate Tax Relief Program, Fairfax County also offers a Senior Homeowner's Tax Credit. This credit is available to seniors who are 65 years or older and have a combined household income of less than $72,000. The credit is applied to the county's real estate tax bill and can provide significant savings for eligible seniors.Senior Housing Preservation Fund
The Senior Housing Preservation Fund is another policy that aims to provide affordable housing options for seniors in Fairfax County.This fund provides financial assistance to developers who are looking to preserve or create affordable housing units for seniors. The fund also offers grants to low-income seniors who need help with home repairs or modifications to make their homes more accessible.
The Role of Non-Profit Organizations
In addition to these policies, Fairfax County also works closely with non-profit organizations to address the issue of affordable housing for seniors. These organizations, such as the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development, work to develop and manage affordable housing units for seniors in the county. One example of this collaboration is the Lincolnia Senior Residences, a 77-unit affordable housing complex for seniors in Alexandria, VA. This project was made possible through a partnership between Fairfax County and the non-profit organization Wesley Housing Development Corporation.The complex offers affordable rent options for seniors with incomes at or below 60% of the area median income.
