Affordable Senior Housing | Philanthropy
As the population of older adults in the U.S. continues to grow, there is a corresponding rise in the demand for housing that is both affordable and accessible. Proper housing is fundamental to an individual’s health and well-being, and it also has a positive impact on the wider community.
In 2025, PSL owned and operated 22 affordable housing communities with over 1,100 apartment and cottage style homes and provided housing to nearly 1,200 older adults in Pennsylvania. PSL affordable housing integrates socialization and community building programs; healthcare navigation and incentives; nutritional support and the Cupboards of Care food pantry; connections to transportation assistance; and utilizes donors’ gifts to provide additional resources and purchase needed items.
Ensuring that older adults have stable housing is not only a moral imperative consistent with our mission. It also proves to be economically advantageous for our communities by decreasing the reliance on costly emergency services, hospital admissions, and institutional care. Advancing affordable housing for older adults is a wise investment in any community.
An Advocate’s Perspective: Sharon Kelly on Affordable Housing
I’ve been connected to PSL’s affordable housing for many years. In the early 2000s I was working with older people with lower incomes. Steve Proctor, PSL’s CEO at the time, asked me to serve as a PSL volunteer as they were growing their affordable housing and related programs. PSL team members support residents through accessible, welcoming building design and with a wide range of supportive services that encourage residents to live life to their fullest capacity. I found that the residents who lived at a PSL community were closer knit, happier, and healthier than many similar seniors in the general community.
As I continue to think about the importance of PSL, I often reflect on how personal savings and Social Security are not enough for some residents. Many older adults are living longer and are outliving their financial resources.
PSL addresses this need by providing a range of assistance programs such as food supplements through Cupboards of Care, education and increased awareness of senior support programs such as rental rebates, and ‘health challenge’ activities that connect residents to the wider community and encourage well-being, social and spiritual engagement.
Over the years I have been privileged to support and watch many of these programs grow by serving on the PSL Board of Trustees and other PSL boards and committees. I have met and interacted with many residents and PSL team members. I have watched friendships develop, a sense of safety and support among residents, and joy and purpose in living with a celebration of the uniqueness of each person.
When we looked at our philanthropic interests, my husband and I decided to contribute to benefit the affordable housing communities because the positive impact is significant. The gift goes to real-time programs like Cupboards of Care and other forms of assistance. I am hopeful that when others learn about PSL’s exemplary affordable housing programs and the needs they, too, will be inspired to give.
Join Sharon in her support of Affordable Housing! Make a donation to the Affordable Housing and Supportive Services fund today!