FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SILVER KEY SENIOR SERVICES MAKES COMMITMENT TO DEVELOP NEW AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING COMPLEX AS AN ADDITION TO CURRENT CAMPUS

Derek Wilson, Chief Strategy Officer, Silver Key Senior Services , 719-884-2313, dwilson@silverkey.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Silver Key Senior Services Makes commitment to develop new affordable senior housing complex as an addition to current campus

 Support will help to combat senior housing challenges and isolation in the Pikes Peak region AMID THE affordable housing shortage which is a public health crisis that ultimately impacts us all

Colorado Springs, CO, June 2021 – Silver Key is excited to announce that it will be proceeding with the development of an affordable senior living housing complex to be located at its 1625 S. Murray Blvd Campus.  The Silver Key Board of Directors gave its unanimous support to the effort and signaled that this would be the necessary next step in tackling the housing crisis.  Silver Key has long-term experience in providing vital senior housing services as demonstrated by board member and staff leadership of Senior Heritage Plaza, Inc. (Senior Heritage Plaza Apartments) since its founding in the 1980’s.  When Silver Key relocated their campus to the Murray location in 2015, the board and stakeholders had the vision and foresight of adding this essential mainstay by purchasing the adjoining land in the hopes that it would someday develop into a senior affordable housing complex located at the campus.  This initiative would optimize the original project plan by refining it and incorporating the full array of Silver Key services.

“Silver Key understands the importance of offering affordable quality housing to seniors in our community and is currently working to expand options in the future by adding housing as a service pillar,” said Jason DeaBueno, President and CEO for Silver Key Senior Services. “The volume and financial costs of requests for services related to housing and housing navigation have increased exponentially.  Silver Key is a health care entity that serves seniors who face unique challenges and barriers that we are distinctly best suited to lead and serve on making a difference.”

Data suggests the two fastest growing demographics in the El Paso County region are working age cohorts between the ages of 20 to 34 and retirees aged 65+. Across the City, affordable housing continues to be a recurrent topic of public debate.  Seniors want housing that includes age-in-place design features, inviting floor spaces, and a connection with people and the outdoors. Additionally, seniors face unique barriers including: low-fixed incomes, accessibility barriers, ageism, transportation needs, and increased anxiety/vulnerability, requiring carefully crafted, integrated strategies.  

Stable housing is associated with better health. Coloradans lacking stable housing are more likely to report poor physical, mental, and oral health.  The cost of housing affects people’s ability to afford other necessities, including food and health care.  Average rents and home prices continue to increase at remarkable rates.  Seniors make up approximately 13% of the population in El Paso County (projected to be 25% by 2050-more than a 90% increase). 

The refined development project plan will be finalized in fall/winter 2021/2022.  Additionally, Silver Key plans to submit a LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit) 9% application to CHFA (Colorado Housing Finance Authority) in February 2022.  The community can begin to help our efforts by creating awareness and support the project proactively throughout the community in all relevant communications and interactions.  Please share with Silver Key community feedback related to the project. 

For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute, or speak out for the seniors in the Pikes Peak region, visit www.silverkey.org.

About Silver Key:

Silver Key Senior Services was founded in 1970 to improve the quality of life for area nursing home residents. Today, Silver Key’s mission has broadened to provide more than 11,000 seniors annually with a wide variety of services, including Silver Key Connections Café, Silver Key Home Delivered Meals including Meals on Wheels, Silver Key Reserve & Ride transportation services, and vital Senior Health & Wellness services that offer a full spectrum of senior assistance including government food program distribution, pantry, Behavioral Health and Companionship services and much more! To learn more about Silver Key and volunteer opportunities, visit www.silverkey.org.

Contact Info:

Jason DeaBueno, President and CEO
jdeabueno@silverkey.org
719-884-2310

Silver Key Senior Services
1625 S. Murray Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80916
www.silverkey.org