Serving Our Seniors Magazine: October - December 2026

If They Build It, Will You Come? By Sue Daugherty Serving Our Seniors and the Erie County Health Department are working together learn whether Erie County older adults can afford to keep a roof over their head as they age. Some older adults have incomes that are too high for affordable housing at Viewpoint, Harborview, The Reiger Lofts in Sandusky; or The Reserve at Lakeview Landing, Lake Erie Villas in Huron. As a result, they have to pay market rate rent, which costs $1,000 to $2,000 per month, plus utilities. In September 2026, Serving Our Seniors mailed 1,000 surveys to Erie County residents, aged 60+. The survey results will help us understand whether retirees and people nearing retirement, need affordable rental housing in Erie County. To build or not to build? We need 400 completed surveys to help us answer that question. All responses are anonymous. Our goal is to determine whether at least 100 older adults are aware that they may not be able to afford to remain in their current home or rental unit and will need an affordable housing option. One possible option would be a small, simple, affordable rental unit. It could be 800 sq ft, no attached garage and rent for about $750/month. If we do not receive at least 400 completed surveys, we will not have enough information to show that affordable rental housing for retirees is needed. Would you like to help? If you are age 60 or older, and would like to complete Serving Our Seniors’ Affordable Housing Survey, contact Serving Our Seniors (419-624-1856). Your response could shape the future of affordable housing for older adults in Erie County. Community Forum - Serving Our Seniors and the Erie County Health Department will hold a forum on October 29, 2026, 1:30 pm - 3 pm, at the UAW Hall, 3114 Hayes Ave – Perkins Township. 100 reservations by October 21, 2026 are needed to justify the time and expense of the forum. To reserve your spot call 419-504-0585. Since June 15, 2026, Sandusky Transit no longer dedicated a mini-bus to transport Vermilion residents. To fix this problem, Serving Our Seniors is funding Neighborhood Alliance to pick up Erie County residents, aged 60+, living in Vermilion or Vermilion Twp. The bus operates from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The passengers pay the bus driver $2.00 per 1-way trip. Correct change ($$) is required.   This is a “90 day pilot project”. We will decide in the first week of November 2026 to continue or discontinue the service. Serving Our Seniors Funds NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE to Transport Erie County, Vermilion Residents Age 60+ To schedule your ride call Serving Our Seniors at 419-624-1856  at least 48 hours - 2 weeks in advance. 20