Bahr to Head Housing Program

CWA President Emeritus Morton Bahr has been elected president of the Elderly Housing Development and Operations Corp. (EHDOC). Formed with the help of unions in 1978 to develop and manage affordable housing for low income seniors, the organization operates and manages 45 buildings in 14 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

"It's a privilege to serve with such dedicated people, and it's heartwarming to see what we've been able to accomplish for so many seniors," said Bahr, who previously served on EDHOC's board with several other labor leaders.

EDHOC seeks grants from the federal government under Department of Housing and Urban Development programs and builds or renovates buildings for low-income seniors. Once built, the organization manages the buildings.

EDHOC's mission is to allow seniors to live independently and age in dignity with their peers. The average age of residents is 79. The organization strives to provide a community through assistance, activities and problem solving. Every EDHOC property has a service coordinator who handles both medical and non-medical needs of its residents.

There is an urgent need for more housing for low income seniors in the United States, said EDHOC Executive Director Steve Protulis. The average waiting time for units is two-and-a-half years. Last year the Bush administration cut back the HUD funds for senior housing, but Congress reinstated them to the previous year's level, for 4,000 new units.

EDHOC rescued 58 seniors after Hurricane Katrina and placed them in one of its 11 properties in Louisiana. Its newest building in Shaker Heights, Cleveland, opened in February with 42 units.