Kenai Senior Center lands $72K federal van grant as housing waitlist hits 120

The Kenai Senior Center has secured a $72,000 federal transportation grant to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van, Director Kathy Romain told the Kenai Council on Aging Commission at its July 9 meeting. Senior Connection will provide an $18,000 match, bringing the expected vehicle cost to roughly $90,000. The new low-floor ADA van is expected to expand ridership among seniors who cannot use existing vehicles, following a 67% increase in transportation usage over the past fiscal year.

On senior housing, the commission discussed possible next steps but did not identify an immediate project or funding commitment. A waitlist of 120 people is seeking market-rate senior housing in Kenai. "No wonder we have a waitlist of 120," Romain said. Housing availability and affordability were identified as important local issues in a 2025 community survey, and the concern has persisted. The city's capital plan includes a feasibility study around 2030, but Romain said finding funding first was critical. The commission agreed to invite an Alaska Housing Finance Corporation official to brief them on the GOAL senior housing grant program. The commission also discussed inviting Abby Shuford of the 907 Initiative to present on the group's website and app for senior benefits and digital access.