Housing subsidy becomes hot counties issue
Operators of subsidized housing facilities in Prescott-Russell say they need help from the counties.
Normand Tremblay headed a delegation representing landlords in the region who provide subsidized housing units for seniors and others living on fixed incomes. He presented a plea to the United Counties of Prescott-Russell (UCPR) council during its Aug. 26 regular session.
“The cost to maintain our residences continues to increase,” Tremblay said, adding that inflation is making the situation “practically impossible” for assisted housing operators to maintain their premises and their services for their tenants.
The group wants the council to reconsider its decision earlier this year against an increase in the monthly subsidy that the counties provides operators of low-cost housing units so their tenants can afford a home of their own. Currently, the UCPR subsidy is $50 a month per subsidized unit. But the operators of subsidy housing in the region say they need at least another $10 in counties support funding to be able to continue offering subsidized housing.
During his presentation, Tremblay noted that inflation is affecting almost every aspect of assisted housing, from the steady and continuing rise in electricity costs to property taxes. He added that landlords face rising costs to maintain their properties while their tenants, who all have fixed or limited incomes, also face rising costs for necessities like food, clothing, toiletries, and medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter.
Landlords who maintain assisted housing properties argue that an increase in the subsidy is needed otherwise they may not be able to continue providing the service. They ask the UCPR to increase the subsidy by about $10 otherwise the assisted housing program for the counties will be “in serious danger”.
Warden Robert Kirby expressed sympathy about the situation for the delegation.
“Have patience,” he said, “and we will have an answer for you.”
The matter will go up for review during a future counties council session.