Across the U.S., housing shortages are impacting millions of Americans. From coast to coast, residents are facing high interest rates and low housing supply – making it nearly impossible to find affordable housing. Delaware is no exception. Residents of the First State are facing a staggering 19,000-unit affordable housing shortage with no end in sight.
Starting May 14, AARP Delaware is launching Countdown to 90 Years—a recognition and call to action leading up to the 90th anniversary of Social Security on August 14, 2025. For nine decades, Social Security has been a stable and reliable foundation of retirement security for millions of Americans—and we believe it must remain that way for generations to come.
AARP’s Public Policy Institute has released The Middle Class Security Project, a report comprised of eight research initiatives funded or conducted by the Institute. The report focuses on strengthening the financial security of the Middle Class as they age and highlights significant problems faced by this group. AARP CEO Barry Rand spoke about the organization’s efforts regarding this issue at the National Press Club on Jan. 15, 2013.
AARP Delaware has been working with New Castle County's Submcommittee on Aging to ensure passage of Ordinance No. 12-057. Once passed, the ordinance will help meet the short and long term housing needs of every segment of the population in the County. By encouraging the integration of Universal Design (UD) Standards into new or substantially renovted housing stock, it will become easier for residents to age in their own homes and communities with the inclusion of minor design changes and improvements. This piece of legislation encourages designers and builders to integrate UD standards into every housing type to ensure availability to consumers. What is UD? Simply put, it refers to key features in one's home that when employed, make the home more accessible for all individuals of all ages.
In response to the overwhelming devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy, AARP Foundation established the AARP Foundation Relief Fund and is giving nearly $1.3 million to select organizations working to support victims and communities impacted by the storm, including organizations dedicated to serving older adults. Donations were given nationally to the American Red Cross and locally to organizations in these seven states: Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Rhode Island.
AARP’s Vice President for Financial Security Jean Setzfand joined the Delaware State Office in October for two days of interviews, meetings and workshops designed to educate Delawareans on the value of planning for retirement and the many options and tools available to consumers from AARP.