Affordable Housing in Boulder Colorado for Over 50 Years
Golden West, The Towers
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Apr 26, 2023
Colorado - Boulder County
Golden West Senior Living is a local not-for-profit community that has been providing affordable housing in the city of Boulder for 50+ years. However, unlike many affordable housing options this community provides so much more than just a roof over your head.
Deep Ties to the Community
Golden West was founded in 1965 by the First Christian Church to meet a growing need for senior housing in the Boulder community. While no longer affiliated with the church, the mission remains the same, to give hope to seniors by providing them with an affordable safe home in Boulder with supportive services.
Golden West has The Towers, home to independent living residents, and The Mezzanine for those needing assisted living. The Towers was one of the first providers of affordable housing in Boulder and The Mezzanine was one of the first assisted living communities as part of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) pilot program.
Today, Golden West provides about 40% of Boulder’s affordable senior housing.
What is Affordable Housing?
Affordable housing is defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a home that can be obtained for 30% or less of the total household income. Golden West sets the rents in The Towers so that it is affordable for individuals at 60% and 50% of the median income for Boulder County. In the Mezzanine, Golden West accepts HCBS Medicaid which helps pay for assisted living based on the individual’s income. “Housing” usually only refers to the apartment, but at Golden West it means more.
More Than Just a Place to Live
Golden West offers much more than just housing. It is a community with supportive services most of which are included in the monthly fee.
All utilities:
- Basic cable TV, telephone landline and internet included
- Sewer, water, and garbage removal
- Maintenance
Full access to:
- Shared community indoor and outdoor spaces
- Library
- Meeting rooms
- Wellness center (gym)
- Full calendar of activities and events
- Resident Services Coordinator
Additionally, Mezzanine residents are served three meals per day and receive weekly laundry and housekeeping services along with assistance with the tasks of daily living like bathing, dressing, medication management, and trained staff on duty 24 hours a day.
Having access to these types of resources and assistance is what makes Golden West such a unique provider of affordable housing.
How Do You Qualify for Affordable Housing at Golden West?
To qualify for The Towers (independent living) your annual household income must be below 60% of the median income for the Boulder area, which for 2022 is $52,680 for a single person household and $60,240 for a two-person household. The first step is to complete an application for residency on our website and the leasing coordinator will follow up, or schedule a tour and do it in person.
There are no income limits for The Mezzanine using private pay. However, the HCBS Medicaid program does have income and asset restrictions, which are currently $30,277.20 for one person with a $2,000 limit on assets and $45,410.75 for a two-person household and $3,000 limit on assets. An application for HCBS Medicaid must be submitted and approved through the State of Colorado. To apply for assisted living with private pay or using Medicaid benefits you can fill out the application on our website or schedule a tour and do it in person.
The Golden West Difference
Very few not-for-profit senior communities work with state and federal agencies to ensure people 62+ have an affordable place to live the way we do. Golden West accepts Section 8 housing vouchers in The Towers and most assisted living communities that accept Medicaid require double occupancy. All assisted living apartments here are single occupancy studios with a private bathroom so no one is forced to live with a roommate if they don’t want to or share a communal bathroom.
See For Yourself
If you are interested in learning more about the affordable housing options Golden West provides for adults 62+ please contact us at 303-444-3967 or visit our website. Schedule a tour and see for yourself that we are more than a place to live but a community where residents become friends and are free to enjoy their lives in a safe place with support and services to enhance their health and wellbeing.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.gwboulder.org/2022/10/05/golden-west-affordable-housing-50-years/
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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