NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) and Wayne County Area Agency on Aging have collaborated to bring the Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO) program to Wayne County to assist older adults in being able to live safely and independently, near caregivers, in their community.
Through a grant awarded to Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) and Pennsylvania for Aging (P4A) through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) NeighborWorks and Wayne County Area Agency on Aging have been given the opportunity to introduce the ECHO model to Wayne County. ECHO units are small, separate, manufactured residences that are temporarily placed on the property of an older adults friend or family member, maintaining independence for the older adult while the property owner is still able to provide care giving to ensure the safety of the older adult is maintained.
Applications are currently being accepted through October 31, 2022. Interested parties can access both the application and Frequently Asked Questions here on the website, or at the Wayne County Area Agency on Aging office located at 323 10th Street, Honesdale PA 18431. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria: host property located in Wayne County, PA; older adult income at or below 80% area median income; older adult must be able to live independently but require occasional care giver assistance; older adult must be agreeable to paying affordable rent.
The unit was designed by, and will be built by students at Johnson College, with guidance, build space, placement and material acquisition provided by Simplex Homes.
For more information and a schedule of events please contact Mary Endrusick, Aging in Place Manager at 570-954-0637 or Mary Ursich, Director, Wayne County Area Agency on Aging at 570-253-4262.
