Housing Authority warns council of $400,000 state funding gap that could end congregate services for 28 residents

At the Laconia City Council meeting on March 24, a representative of the Laconia Housing Authority warned councilors that a $400,000 funding stream supporting the Congregate Housing Support Program is not included in the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Patrick Wood told the council the program provides services that allow about 28 residents to remain in their homes rather than move into nursing facilities; the Housing Authority’s monthly operating cost for the program is roughly $33,000. Wood said that the funding shortfall would force the Authority and the community to consider alternatives that could substantially increase costs, including placements in county nursing homes.

Nut graf: The program serves primarily older adults and some people with disabilities who need help with daily living tasks but are not at the level requiring institutional care. Wood said per-resident annual costs under the program are about $14,000—roughly one-fifth the cost of nursing-home placement that local officials cited—making the program both a social-service and cost‑containment measure.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about residency of participants and whether the Housing Authority’s units outside Laconia were affected; Wood said most participants live in Laconia buildings (Sunrise Tower, Sunrise House and the Tavern) and he could not provide exact addresses for each resident in the meeting.

Ending: The council did not take action during the meeting but members indicated they would seek further information and that the issue also would be raised with county officials and state legislators as staff and the Housing Authority explore options to replace the lost state funding.