By Don Steen ~ Staff Writer • [email protected]
Dale Community Apartments just capped the first overhaul of its properties since its original construction in the 1980’s. All 52 housing units have new appliances, paint, carpeting, revamped kitchens, and bathrooms as well as a number of new community amenities. On the surface, this should be a heady time for the low-income housing community, but Manager Tameria Graham has found cause for concern. Seven vacancies are currently available, but filling them has been a challenge.
While the United States Department of Agriculture, as well as the Spencer County Council, have helped finance comprehensive updates to the apartments, rental assistance for tenants is coming up short at the moment. Even with a basic rental rate of $461 a month at the low end, that can be a big challenge for someone on a limited income.
Graham pointed out that someone living mostly on Social Security might have little more than $800 at their disposal. Even with trash, water, and sewer services included in the basic rental rate, power costs and basic necessities can eat up the rest of one’s income very quickly.
“I never realized how little elderly people live on before I came to work here,” she said. “When most of the elderly were working, jobs didn’t pay what they pay today. So their income coming in now, living on Social Security, is substantially low.”
According to the National Wage Index, the average American income rose from $44,321.67 in 2012 to $63,795.13 in 2022. Even someone who retired more recently might feel this impact even on a shorter timescale, as the average income was still $55,628.60 in 2020 before jumping to $60,575.07 in 2021.
Graham said several applicants had been living in their cars, or even tents on primitive camping sites. The YMCA of Evansville has referred people to Dale Community Apartments as well.
Dale Community Apartments specifically serves the elderly, or those with disabilities. Neither category would be particularly helped by roughing it in a Spencer County summer, if indeed anyone would.
“I get so disheartened,” said Graham. “I don’t thing people realize the plight of elderly and disabled people.”
Many can’t even afford the basic rent of $461, at least not until rental assistance becomes available again in some form. This puts Graham in an awkward position when it comes to filling vacancies. Those who can benefit most from these recently remodeled apartments may not be able to afford them, and others may not qualify due to age or having too high an income.
Even with the broader dearth of affordable housing, regardless of how one might gauge “affordable”, Dale Community Apartments currently sports seven vacancies. Yet, it remains a challenge to find those willing to apply. Without applicants, Graham can’t even begin to determine who might qualify.
Those apartments, ideal for individuals, have amenities one might hope for in any modern home. The on-site community center has also been revamped, and is already being put to use for parties and regular card games among residents. Many residents have taken the updates to the community to heart, pitching in with flower gardens and other “sweat equity” to do their part to beautify the area. Graham hopes to implement a community garden next year to help residents supplement their grocery budget. A computer room is also being installed to allow residents internet access 24/7, and computer classes are planned to help those unfamiliar with modern software and hardware.
“That’s a lot of perks,” said Graham.
Getting the Dale Community Apartments was not easy. The remodels took more than a year to complete, and financing required support at all local levels. Graham hopes that work can help more county residents find a home they can afford. If you, or anyone you know aged 62 or older or with a disability, might be interested in a one-bedroom apartment, call 812-686-0739. The office is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The apartments are located at 490 W. Medcalf Street.
