Located in the small town of Emporia, Virginia, Trinity Woods is a subsidized senior residence that has become a beloved home for many, including resident Linda Morgan. However, since the air conditioning system failed three years ago, residents like Morgan have faced sweltering summers without a reliable way to stay cool. Despite her resourcefulness—utilizing a portable air conditioner, a swamp cooler, and multiple fans—Morgan finds it challenging to maintain comfort during the hottest months. “In the afternoons, especially, when the sun hits my window, it’s terribly hot,” she lamented, highlighting the severe conditions faced by seniors in this aging facility.
The struggles extend beyond individual apartments. The community room, a hub for social activities, has also suffered due to inadequate cooling. Resident Deanna Moore described the situation last year as “god-awful,” impacting their ability to enjoy communal events like bingo nights. Many residents have noted that friends and family refrain from visiting due to the oppressive heat, which exacerbates health conditions, particularly for those with asthma and other respiratory issues. Morgan, a retired nurse, expressed her frustration, stating, “We've sacrificed so much in our lives already, and to think that we cannot live in a comfortable, safe environment as we grow older is just devastating.”
In a promising turn of events, Trinity Woods was awarded $5.4 million last year for a new heating and cooling system as part of a broader initiative from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This funding is part of a significant $1.4 billion program aimed at upgrading aging affordable housing across the nation, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing climate resilience. Unfortunately, this initiative has been jeopardized by recent funding cuts announced by the cost-cutting DOGE team led by billionaire Elon Musk.
According to internal communications obtained by NPR, the funding for crucial upgrades has been paused, raising concerns among residents and advocates alike. HUD officials stated that while the program is under review, they aim to ensure that rural, urban, and tribal communities have the necessary resources. However, the lack of communication regarding the funding changes has left many projects, including Trinity Woods, in limbo.
Just outside Trinity Woods, a rusty, aging chiller from 1993 serves as a stark reminder of the building's deteriorating air conditioning system. Rev. Richard Bridgford, head of the Norfolk Urban Outreach Ministry and president of the Trinity Woods board, has been advocating for a solution for three years. He emphasized the financial strain on affordable housing providers, noting that they cannot raise rents or take on debt for significant repairs. “This type of subsidized housing does not gain equity, which means it’s not allowed to take on debt,” Bridgford explained.
The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program, established through the Inflation Reduction Act, was intended to provide financial support for such upgrades. Julia Gordon, former assistant secretary for housing at HUD, noted that grants and loans were allocated across 42 states to improve living conditions for thousands of seniors and families. Trinity Woods hoped to leverage the loan for a $10 million overhaul, which would not only address cooling issues but also replace the broken heating system and improve overall energy efficiency.
Advocates stress the importance of preserving existing affordable housing, particularly in rural areas like Emporia, where options are limited. Residents like Sonya Urquhart, who have faced homelessness, express deep attachment to Trinity Woods despite its shortcomings. “I love this building. I would not want to leave,” she shared. Similarly, resident Lynn Mason found stability in Trinity Woods after facing housing insecurity.
Linda Couch, a senior vice president at the nonprofit LeadingAge, pointed out that the average annual income for residents in their network is around $16,600, illustrating the dire need for affordable housing. As the population ages, more seniors are becoming vulnerable to high housing costs, with many facing lengthy waiting lists for subsidized options. “It is so financially irresponsible to let go of existing, deeply affordable units,” Couch stated, reflecting the urgent need for continued support and funding.
As contractors at Trinity Woods seek reimbursement for advance work completed, the future remains uncertain. With only 22 properties likely to receive full funding out of 270 nationwide, the competition for alternative funding sources is fierce. Bridgford remains hopeful for a solution that can alleviate the heat and improve living conditions for residents. “It could mean simply replacing what we have, which sounds so stupid compared with the modern, efficient HVAC system we were planning,” he admitted. Nevertheless, he hopes for a breakthrough that will provide much-needed relief for the residents of Trinity Woods.
