With a contagious smile, Patrice Sorey quickly infects her neighbors on the 9th floor with positive energy. She has served as floor representative as well as an active gardener in the Decatur Christian Towers community. A resident for over 6 years, she represents a growing sub set of seniors in our country. Having worked all her life, she was able to make a change at age 62 to senior housing that offered both security and a vibrant engaging community. Over the past 6 years, Patrice has continued working full time enjoying the convenient location for transportation and shopping needs.
As an airport employee, the pandemic changed her employment opportunities in March 2020. After being furloughed, she began to reconsider her expenses and how her next steps could better secure her future as she approaches age 70. Still on waiting lists for subsidized housing, her employment had allowed her to maintain housing, health and living expenses. As she talked and planned with her daughters, an unexpected surprise came up in July. Her name had risen to the top for a Dekalb Housing Authority Voucher in a Brookhaven community.
This bittersweet news rippled through her family. While grateful to have financial solutions, the decision to leave friends and DCT ‘family’ was a tough one stating, “I know it will not be the same.” Yet, these are the decisions aging adults are making more and more. The restricted number of housing subsidies available create tension and anxiety for those transitioning to fixed incomes. DCT serves as a long stable place for some to call home with limited subsidized units, but many will have to find another solution as long waits continue for limited subsidies in the senior communities who preserve the access to truly affordable housing.
