Partnering across housing, health, and community-based services, is an effective strategy for rural communities to leverage additional resources to support older adults and people with disabilities. This webpage provides information on successful cross-sector partnership models and resources that can help providers achieve housing stability for people in rural communities.
Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Communities
Census data shows that over 22% of the nation’s older adults live in rural areas. Research also indicates there are higher rates of disability among people living in rural communities. People with disabilities and older adults living in rural areas may face challenges in finding safe, accessible, and affordable housing where they live.
Rural areas experience limited new housing development, rising costs of rent, and m inaccessible housing stock in need of repairs or home modifications. In some rural communities, the high cost to rent or own a home priced many out of the housing market. Limited access to health care services, transportation, internet service, and direct care workers are other significant barriers.
However, rural communities have strong, tight-knit connections that can be coordinated to improve access to safe, stable housing and support services. Whether through formalized cross-sector partnerships between federal, state, and local government programs or through informal creative efforts between neighbors, faith-based communities, and volunteers, rural communities are well positioned to support wellbeing and promote community living.