Ensuring quality housing the focus of Sussex County’s ‘LIVE Conference’ on Oct. 19

Georgetown, DE (Oct. 3, 2016): Sussex County continues to draw new residents, many of them retirees, each year with its temperate weather, low taxes and a laid-back lifestyle. But the promises of the American retirement dream found on dazzling websites and inside colorful marketing brochures sometimes obscure the reality for some senior citizens: quality, affordable housing can be in short supply, outpaced by growing demand, particularly for those on fixed incomes.

To help raise awareness about housing issues in Sussex County, particularly among public officials, policy makers and concerned citizens, the Sussex County Advisory Committee on Aging & Adults with Physical Disabilities will host its fourth annual LIVE Conference, titled Sweet Home Sussex County: Ensuring Quality Housing Options for Sussex County Residents, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the CHEER Community Center, 20520 Sand Hill Road, in Georgetown. The Sussex County Council and Delaware Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities are co-sponsoring the event.

This year’s conference is the latest in a series of annual gatherings that have focused on a variety of issues facing seniors in Sussex County and across the nation. Organizers are hopeful this year’s conference will keep the conversation going and serve as a forum that educates and motivates.

“The mission of the LIVE Conference since its inception has been to educate the senior and disabled population, as well as their families and caregivers, to empower them with knowledge so they can make choices and seek services that allow them to live independently in their homes as long as possible,” Advisory Committee Chairwoman Ruth Beideman said. “In the past three years, the conference has focused on a number of critical issues for seniors and those with physical challenges, including access to healthcare, elder abuse and transportation. This year we are tackling housing as we look at what options are available to senior, disabled, veteran and multi-cultural citizens to ensure affordable, quality housing for everyone.”

The fourth annual LIVE Conference will feature a variety of panel discussions and speakers focused on housing challenges in Sussex County. Among those, Anas Ben Addi, director of the Delaware State Housing Authority, will speak on housing trends in the county and state, while Patricia Kelleher, executive director of the Delaware Housing Coalition, will detail various plans for improving housing availability and affordability. Various panel discussions will focus on the housing issue, as well, including homeowners’ assistance. In addition, an array of helpful exhibits and vendors related to this year’s conference topic will be on hand.

Tickets for the general public are $10 and registration is required in advance as seating is limited. Light morning refreshments and a boxed lunch will be provided. For more information, please contact Ruth Beideman, conference chairwoman, at (302) 422-5060 or beidemanra@aol.com.

The Sussex County Advisory Committee on Aging & Adults with Physical Disabilities is an 11-member panel established by the Sussex County Council to be an advocate for programs and policies that benefit older and disabled residents. The Advisory Committee’s mission is to increase dialogue, make recommendations to Council, and give support, assistance and advice on significant issues and programs that may affect the lives of the county’s aging and adults with physical disabilities populations. For more information, visit the Advisory Committee’s page at www.sussexcountyde.gov/boards-committees.

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Media Contact

Ruth Beideman, event spokeswoman
(302) 422-5060