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1997 LICKING COUNTY HOUSING FORUM: Population
According to the 1990 Census Licking County had a total population of l28,300. Since that time it is projected that population has significantly increased in the county. This is evident in areas such as Pataskala, Buckeye Lake, and Johnstown, all of which are experiencing a boom in the number of single family homes currently being constructed. In 1990, the City of Newark had a population of 44,396, a 7.7% increase over 1980. The second largest city in Licking County was Heath with a population of 7,231.
Newark had the highest percentage of Very Low Income households. 31.8%, when compared to other cities in the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Overall, 15.4% of Newark's households were living at or below poverty. (Refer to chart for income guidelines for 1997) According to the Ohio County Profile of Licking County, 8.3% of the families in Licking County were living at or below poverty level. Housing for these families is difficult to find. More than one obstacle exists. The Licking,' Metropolitan Housing Authority has no remaining Section 8 certificates available and no new construction or substantial or moderate rehabilitation project based on Section 8 assisted units is planned. (Plan, 27) Also, local social services report several property' owners who accepted vouchers and certificates in the past have indicated that they will no longer do so.
According to the 1990 Census, 21.1% of the households in Licking County are headed by females. Newark had 19.6% female-heads of household. This is quite significant because according to the 1990 Census, a female head of household with two children had an annual median income of $14,036. The same family on public assistance received only, $3,870 annually. A large portion of this monthly income is devoted to rent. Female heads of household historically have a higher incidence of housing need in regard to cost burden. The 1990 Census indicated that approximately 4,337 female heads of household in Licking County were at or below poverty level status. Of these women, the overwhelming majority (4,268) were under the age of 65. Lower income levels is thought to be the main contributing factor of this cost burden. Often these women are on monthly Fixed incomes, such as Temporary Aid to Need Families (TAN) causing the percentage of income spent on rental housing to be overwhelmingly higher than most families are required to spend (CHIS). According to the Public Assistance Profile -December 1996 found in the Licking County Profile, the average payment per recipient of the single parent TAN was $119.13. This means that a mother with two children is only receiving approximately $357 per month.
Individuals with a physical or mental disability comprise 7% of the residents in Licking County. County-wide there were 5,641 persons with some type of mobility an/or self-care limitation which will require specialized housing and care. (CHIS) According to the Public Assistance Profile - December 1996 - Licking County Profile. 112 individuals received some type of disability assistance in 1996. The average payment per recipient was $163.46 per month. This does not provide enough income for any individual to be self sufficient. Accessible, affordable housing for these individuals is a necessity. Most of the low income/assisted living housing units available county-wide are not handicapped accessible. According to the Low Income/Assisted Living Apartment Database for Licking County, the following housing units offer accessibility to the handicapped or disabled: Blue Heron Manor Apartments, Chimes Terrace Apartments. Johns Manor, ALMA Senior Citizen High Rise, Confine Village Apartments.
The elderly comprise approximately l28% of the population of Licking County. This group has a variety of special housing needs. Most of the elderly population would like to remain in their homes but to do so would require some type of home health care. Currently there are three home health care programs available via local agencies.
The elderly (60+) are one of the few groups in Licking County whose current housing needs have been met with regards to units of housing available. There are 17 senior housing projects in the county, 10 in Newark, and one each in Buckeye Lake. Heath. and Pataskala. Johnstown and Utica each have two complexes. The Chimes Terrace Apartments in Johnstown have the longest waiting list in terms of numbers. but the
Pataskala project applicants spend the most time on the waiting list. There are no projects in the eastern half of the county.
Recent research found that the number on these elderly waiting lists ranged from 5 to 40 households, amounts that ranged in time from one week to 2 years, but averaged only 6 months. The High Rise, owned by the Licking Metropolitan Housing Authority, has had vacancies, which, under federal regulations, they must offer also to persons with disabilities. The owner of a new project, Washington Square, built in conjunction with the Licking County Aging Program, containing 42 units soon to come on line on the public square, indicates that there is no substantial need for such housing in the near future. Also, Sharon Glyn is being constructed in partnership with a private development corporation. It will provide 60 units of elderly housing.
Therefore, we find that the need for constructing additional housing units for the elderly is not necessary in the immediate future. However, the quality of housing some elderly occupy is seriously substandard and often inaccessible. Substantial rehabilitation and emergency home repair programs continue to be necessary for the elderly who wish to remain in their own homes.
This is a temporary situation, however. The baby boom generation will begin reaching age 62 in ten years. The above graph illustrates the potential increase in the elderly population that will result from the aging of the baby boomers. Currently baby boomers comprise 26% of the population. The age range for this group is 40-59, so it is evident that a large number of these persons may be demanding specialized housing and services soon.
Another portion of the population that must be considered is the homeless population or those on the verge of homelessness. Each year over 2,000 Licking County residents find themselves without housing, sometimes for an extended period of time. In Licking County, economic factors and lack of affordable housing are thought to be the main causes of homelessness.
According to the 1997 Housing Needs Survey, community agencies in Newark served over 1060 homeless individuals during the period from April 1, 1996 to April 1, 1997, but at least another 296 went "unserved". The City of Newark One Year Use of Funds identified emergency shelter for the homeless, transitional housing for the homeless, and assessment and outreach for the homeless as high priority needs. Roughly 120 homeless individuals were not served by existing transitional housing options, most likely due to an insufficient number of housing units available. The Licking County Coalition for Housing, New Beginnings Shelter for Domestic Violence, Salvation Army, Moundbuilders Guidance Center, and local churches are currently working with the homeless population in Licking County. Many other groups throughout the county are working to prevent homelessness. In Newark 1,165 vacant units exist that could be converted to housing units. (Plan)
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