As housing costs continue to rise across the region, many older adults in Chula Vista are facing difficult financial decisions — often choosing between rent, groceries, medication, and other essentials. In response, the city of Chula Vista is asking residents age 55 and older to share their experiences through the Age in Place Chula Vista – Housing Affordability Survey, an effort designed to better understand local housing challenges and guide future funding decisions.
City officials said concerns about affordability are among the most common issues they hear from older residents.
“Chula Vista residents age 55 and older who contact the City of Chula Vista’s Housing and Homeless Department are consistently sharing concerns about rising housing costs and the strain of living on fixed incomes,” said Chula Vista City Staff. “To get a better picture of the true housing challenges, the Age in Place Chula Vista – Housing Affordability Survey was created.”
The survey was launched as the city implemented its Shallow Rental Subsidy Program (SRSP) in July 2025. The program provides a fixed $500 monthly rental subsidy to severely rent-burdened older adults, along with referrals to supportive services. Officials say gathering direct feedback from residents is critical before expanding programs or allocating additional housing resources.
“As the city implemented its Shallow Rental Subsidy Program, it became clear that resident-driven data specific to Chula Vista was essential,” City Staff said. “Before expanding programs or allocating additional housing resources, we needed to hear directly from older adults about what they are experiencing.”
Survey results will be compiled and shared with the City Council to help align limited public housing funds with demonstrated community needs as officials make decisions for the upcoming fiscal year.
“Survey results will allow staff to provide our city council with information to help align limited public housing funds with demonstrated need as they are making future funding decisions,” City Staff said.
Officials note that Fair Market Rents, updated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, have increased significantly during recent high-inflation years. Those increases have often outpaced income adjustments for older adults who rely primarily on Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits, creating added financial strain.
Housing instability among older adults can increase the risk of homelessness, declining health, and social isolation. City staff said the Shallow Rental Subsidy Program was developed in recognition of the difficult trade-offs many older residents face when living on limited fixed incomes.
The survey effort also supports the city’s broader Age-Friendly and Healthy Chula Vista initiatives. In 2016, Chula Vista became the 99th jurisdiction in the United States to join the AARP Age-Friendly Livable Communities network, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring older adults can remain safely and comfortably in their homes.
To encourage broad participation, surveys are available in both digital and paper formats, with materials offered in English and Spanish. The city is distributing surveys through senior housing communities, libraries, recreation centers, mobile home parks, and trusted community partners to reach residents who may not have internet access.
The survey is open through March 8, is confidential and anonymous, and takes approximately eight to 10 minutes to complete. Officials emphasize that older adults’ voices are essential in shaping programs and policies that directly affect their quality of life.
“For older adults who may feel hesitant about sharing housing concerns, we want them to know their voice matters,” City Staff said. “The survey is confidential and anonymous. Sharing lived experience is important because older adults’ voices are often overlooked in programming and policy discussions, including housing and homelessness.”
Residents can participate online or request a paper survey through the City’s Housing and Homeless Services Department.
