City of Lewisville launches Senior Rental Assistance Program

Lewisville, Texas - Lewisville has taken proactive steps to ease the growing burden of surging rent prices on some of its most vulnerable residents, in a significant move aimed at addressing the issue. As Denton County's population edges past the million mark, the housing costs continue to climb proportionately.

The local authorities in Lewisville are setting aside more than $120,000 for the launch of a groundbreaking Senior Rental Assistance Program. The program aims to safeguard senior citizens, reliant on fixed incomes, from being forcibly displaced from their homes due to unaffordable rents.

Nancy Sansom, an 82-year-old resident of Lewisville, shed light on the severity of the ongoing crisis, articulating the fear and stress that come with the insecurity of sustaining residence. The dire state of affairs has left many elderly residents skimping on vital medications and dietary necessities in order to keep up with their financial commitments.

In her opinion, Sansom describes the spiraling rental costs as a 'Wild West show', indicating an unchecked scenario where the rental market operates freely, with apparent disregard for the tenants. Driven by this plight, Sansom, along with many seniors in her age group, found herself rejoining the job market, working at a grocery store post-retirement following a significant rent increase in her senior housing complex.

But Sansom is not an isolated case; she is aware of numerous acquaintances in their 80s and even 90s who have felt compelled to disrupt the peace of their retirement to secure additional employment.

In addition, Sansom has taken it upon herself to rally her fellow senior citizens and bring much-needed attention to their struggle.

"If they know about the very shameful circumstances seniors are in – if they know about it, maybe they'll do something about it," said Willie Peterson, an 83-year-old Lewisville resident who has been working with Sansom to contact elected officials and push for change.

The Lewisville Senior Rental Assistance Program, managed by the Christian Community Action and United Way of Denton, has been warmly received by applicants, primarily those aged 80 and above. These individuals have witnessed rent increases varying from a relatively small $75 to a steep $500 per month.

Such drastic rental increases are a source of serious concern for those dependent on a fixed income, as articulated by Olivia Mata-Williams from the United Way of Denton County.

"Having that significant jump when you're on a fixed income really raised a lot of concerns for this population," said Olivia Mata-Williams with the United Way of Denton County. "For every $100 rent increases, it's a 9% likelihood increase of their chance of entering homelessness."

This initiative aims to offer a crucial relief, providing aid that matches the rental increase between lease terms for the length of the current lease. To qualify, applicants must be aged 62 or over, reside within the boundaries of Lewisville city, and have encountered a rental increase between lease periods.

United Way staff will be available at the Lewisville Public Library, 1197 W. Main Street, on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to assist seniors with their online applications.

Despite the harsh circumstances, Sansom sees a glimmer of hope, hailing the program as a 'blessing.' With a sense of gratitude, she nurtures the hope that more cities within Denton County and across the country will recognize this urgent issue and take corresponding measures.

Credit: Dallas Metro News, City of Lewisville, CBS News