Few

in other fields like teaching or secretarial work. Many are widows. of these specialized in corporation law and laws governing securities. Thus, in order to get housing for which they can afford to pay, they must blindly advance money without having real assurance of its safety through their own technical precautions. This makes them so hesitant in moving towards a selfhelp project that those technical people who are able and willing to do the work involved, find themselves ill-supported financially, and the would-be beneficiaries find themselves assailed by doubts and fears-all tending to slow down progress.

The time has arrived, in our opinion, for single veterans of World War I (they are now nearing retirement age), colleges needing housing for their single teachers and students; and our single senior citizens in this country to be united for purposes of financing self-help housing for single people. This should take care of three needs at once; the union of which would add support to all.

The revolving trust loan arrangement for which we are appealing would solve this problem because a "beneficiary" of a trust has no age; he may reasonably be replaced a number of times.

Because mortgages of almost any type are amortized over a period of from 30 to 40 years, insurance and other lending institutions have in the past more or less looked down on or discredited women who are middle-aged or over because they think they are poor credit risks. Among other things, they feel that single persons are too old to be safe credit risks and will not live long enough to pay off mortgages. We found this great obstacle in the minds of prospective sponsors, as well as of some Government officials one of the most difficult hurdles for us to get over.

According to our national survey this need for suitable housing for single persons has been going on and has been evident for at least 50 years in this Nation which is the greatest and most humanitarian of all nations!

All over the country there are single women eager to participate in a mutual self-help housing program. To us, it seems merely human to try and relieve the situation and many single persons have joined with us to help with the organizational and research work entailed in connection with this blind spot. These single women are surely entitled to just an opportunity or a chance to occupy suitable housing (a permanent home).

This field is new, different, and does not elbow any other housing plans or groups. Our program is not designed to compete but rather to add to the momentum of better housing for America. It caters to a group that have never heretofore been aided or defended in this field. It gives them their first real chance to obtain, on a self-help basis, their own specialized housing. It carries with it the atmosphere of pure Americanism. It carries with it opportunity for all who aid the program. It is an opportunity better than "windfall profits," because it is constructive, lucrative, and fair to everyone, offering standard fees on the selling or leasing of real estate, on architecture, engineering, construction, financing and all the other work necessary to complete any such project. There is another point: We see this movement proving to be a preventive program in that it will provide housing for some who might otherwise become wards of their respective States. We feel that, because of this fact, alone, every State should be anxious to help put it into motion. In time, the successful installation of this program would actually save State funds-to say nothing of the saving of the peace of mind of worthwhile citizens. It is trite, but a fact that an ounce of prevention in this case can be worth a pound of cure. The Governor of New York State only recently asked for a bond issue of $500 million to be spent for the aid of the mentally deficient, many of whom could have been prevented from being so classified (and strictly speaking are barely so) if they had been given earlier an opportunity through self-help housing to have a place of their own and not be pushed around so distressingly.

This is a plan to meet new needs, in the same way as the return of a large number of veterans from the First World War presented a new social problem to the Nation and led to the present highly developed DAV Association and Veterans' Administration. (Had we not had war, there would likely not be so many single women.) We believe that these women who are alone deserve consideration similar to that given the veterans in the housing field.

We propose that accommodation be such that even though the tenancy is limited to one room, each tenant will be, to a large extent, her own landlord and so can experience the satisfaction that goes with such independence. Privacy and undisputed possession will be deeply appreciated by the tenants and do much to lessen the strain which, in later life, might lead to the possi

bility of becoming wards of the State. This natural relaxing of tension will be further enhanced by the knowledge that companionship whenever desired, can be otained by little more than pushing a button on the same floor.

Features of living under our plan will tend toward eliminating the nervous apprehension common to many single people with no prospect of a permanent home, because the understanding is that a tenant can stay on longer than is often the case now. There will be a healthful sense of security in being sure of one's own place permanently, even in old age. There will also be the psychological factor of living with people who know the situation and have, or expect to have, to meet such situations themselves sooner or later; there is the safety of company for person and property, yet privacy in living, as well as the opportunity of going and coming as one likes, with the same freedom as in a family. Moreover, club facilities for recreation and other purposes could be arranged by the tenants, which is a well-recognized preventive of so-called old-age complaints. In a word, ours is a preventive program and not merely a curative program.

It was both heartening yet discouraging to us to read the publication entitled "Standards of Design-Housing for the Elderly," published by the Massachusetts State Housing Board. The heartening lies in the fact that the State of Massachusetts realizes that older single persons do need housing. The discouraging part is that the group between the ages of 30 and 65 are again forgotten or left out. A letter accompanying that publication and signed by Harland A. McPhetres, director of the commonwealth, points out that only in cases where a qualified veteran is not available is it permissible to house aged couples or aged individuals in State-aided projects.

Mr. McPhetres goes on to state that the Bromley Park project, which is federally aided and under the jurisdiction of the Boston Housing Authority, does not allow the entrance of "single individuals living alone." He said that he understands that legislation is before the present Congress to permit single aged individuals to occupy one-bedroom units in such projects. Again, we ask, what about the single individuals living alone-between the ages of 30 and 65? From records of requests of rooms, we believe that there are about 20,000 single women seeking housing for each million of the hundred million adult population. The experience of our organization in Washington, D. C., indicates that there are about 10,000 in that city; in Detroit there are about 6,000 and in Chicago 10,000. If to this information is added that of special studies about the aged population obtainable through clubs and societies, and (most accurate of all) through the insurance companies' statistics (there are 7,500,000 widows in the United States according to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.), we have a very conservative and factual estimate of 2 million single women in America who need housing and would avail themselves of the privilege of better housing, should they be given a fair opportunity to acquire it.

There are just over 400 congressional districts in the United States, therefore, averaging 1 project for each congressional district, with a few over. Is it really too much to expect each member of Congress to encourage proper housing for 200 out of the 5,000 of his constituents who need it? In fact, if he did so, this would be housing only about 200 people out of each 400,000 in population, totaling 80,000 out of 160 million inhabitants. (Since Congress is so evenly divided between the two parties, this distribution is moreover distinctly nonpartisan.) This challenging housing need of single people has been curiously omitted from housing debates. We have no doubt at all that there should be housing specially designed for those having passed the age of 30, and so designed that the tenant may expect to continue living there in old age. There are definitely points where housing designed for single people must differ from other housing designed for families, and we have spent time, energy, thought, and money in developing a model design to meet the needs of such people.

The research to date pertaining to materials, techniques, design, decoration, and a mutual form of organization should all tend to make the national model not only a building in which to live, but a support of the cause which would also encourage and aid indirectly all single persons as well as 80,000 directly. Though much of the value of such aid and assistance is intangible, giving encouragement, hope and a spirit of security to deserving citizens; there is a definite savings, through mutual self-help, which could hardly be less than one dollar a year for an estimated 2 million persons through economic parity, and $1 a month for the 80,000 benefiting directly.

We call attention to the fact that to petition for what one needs and desires is one of the most patriotic ways we Americans have of obtaining it. We understand that Members of Congress appreciate such expression from the citizens.

We too have made use of this system, in our endeavors, to be properly informed and guided by single persons needing housing.

Our cause, though hidden in our hearts for many years, began in Detroit, Mich. The first preorganizational meeting of the movement was held in 1947 and the Residence At Ease Association was incorporated on January 9, 1948. The association was incorporated as a nonprofit membership association organized to study, conduct research, and make surveys with the object in view of obtaining residence facilities for professional, business, and retired women.

We have persevered during the past years, supported by the motto that "In God We Trust.' We have tried always to follow the law to the best of our knowledge, and in times of test we have faced all issues.

We are unequivocally justified, from every standpoint, in pushing forward this good work in view of the encouragement we have received from single persons who need housing, as well as from many officials, and civic and religious leaders of which the following quotations give some evidence:

"The housing need in Detroit, in the eyes of Detroiters, is the city's most important single problem, according to a public opinion survey conducted by a Wayne University research team."—Journal of Housing.

"I have read with interest your document on Housing for Single Women. "The problem with which you are dealing is an important one which fully justifies the effort you are making with respect to it. While it is not directly related to urban renewal and, therefore, is of no primary concern of our administration, it does fit into an overall housing program and presents one of the problems to which we must address ourselves."-J. W. Follin, Urban Renewal Commissioner, Housing and Home Finance Agency, March 15, 1955. Legal opinion: "I believe your program for meeting the housing problems of unattached women is a constructive one. The civic need for such housing seems beyond dispute and I wish you every success in your efforts to satisfy it."Robert L. Wright, Washington, D. C.

"I could very well write you a letter about the great need of housing for single women, because I have constant calls for just such information which I am unable to supply. Outside of the very limited facilities for young women, there is almost nothing here, and I know of a great many women who have had a great deal of difficulty finding places to live."-Dr. Tracy M. Pullman, minister, Church of Our Father, Detroit, Mich.

"The last piece of material which you sent me is a rather complete outline of the housing problem being faced by single women not only in Detroit but in every major city in the country.

"While this shortage affects thousands of women in terms of total housing problems, it tends to be overlooked. It is also true that financing and other difficulties have tended to hold up practical developments in this housing area, but you are well acquainted with these problems, and much better acquainted than I."-Edward Connor, councilman-Detroit, Mich. (Also leader in housing field.)

"Thank you very much for sending me the release on Housing Designed for Single Persons.

"Housing for single women is a subject of primary concern to a large group of our people and you and your associates are to be commended for taking these pioneering steps in helping to solve the many problems that beset this group in the securing of adequate and comfortable quarters.

"I am looking forward to receiving additional material on this important subject."-Mary V. Beck, member of city council and president pro tem, Detroit,

Mich.

"This letter introduces Miss Jency Price (Houser), executive secretary and secretary of Public Relations of the Residence At Ease Association, of Detroit. "She is desirous of receiving such assistance and information as you can give her with respect to Federal aid for building a residence for business, professional, and retired women of Detroit. I have personally discussed this matter with her and believe the project to be a worthy one. I know that this opinion is shared by civic and religious leaders in Detroit.

"Anything you can do to help her will be deeply appreciated."-Gov. G. Mennen Williams, State of Michigan.

"DETROIT AND WAYNE COUNTY FEDERATION OF LABOR,

"Detroit, Mich.

"DEAR SENATOR MCNAMARA: I am enclosing for your perusal a document of great merit, but one which is not apt to draw much attention. The author, Jency Price Houser, is a person that I have met on several occasions. She is

tireless, in her effort to put over what is a great need in America-permanent homes for single women.

"With the ratio now of 7 to 5 and the women living longer, there are bound to be many thousands of single, self-sustaining women in this country who would prefer to live alone but there is no adequate accommodation for them. Take for instance the Federal housing program. On several occasions I have been asked to intercede for people who are in the housing projects but who became single by the loss of a husband or other members of the family and who were asked to move. As a matter of fact, I had a case just last week when *** spoke to me about his mother who is in the Parkside project. They have ordered her to move. I got hold of *** and he said he would lay it aside for 6 months and then take a look at it. This still leaves the mental hazard. "It is my opinion that single women are inarticulate when it comes to their own self-interest in matters of this kind. Someone ought to champion the single women and their need for permanent housing because 2 out of 7 and maybe more are destined to lead a lonely life and I know of no man more capable or better fitted than yourself to champion this great but neglected cause. "With kindest personal regards.

"FRANK X. MARTEL, President."

"Housing, appropriate for single, older women is one of the most pressing problems of our times. Your organization appears to be one of the most interesting proposals made to meet the needs of the older group."-Wilma Donahue, chairman, division of gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. "Over 35: (To the editor) Detroit is so in need of a home for women over 35. We have the YWCA, Priscilla Inn, Evangeline, League of Catholic Women, but women over 35 must vacate them to make room for younger girls.

"There are many women employed downtown that are unable to find a place to live. Many of the hotels are beyond their means. Some of the other hotels are not always comfortable or safe for women. Many of the rooming houses that would be suitable take men only.

"Is there not a way that somehow in this big city a home could be started for women over 35?"-"Someone over 35"-Detroit Free Press.

"Many thanks for the copy of your Document No. 7. I remember you quite well and the program you are conducting and, as I explained to you, I am very much in accord with your purposes"-Walter B. Mills, Jr., president National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials Gadsden, Ala.

"Your letter interests me not only as mayor but as the father of a single daughter living in Washington. I would be glad to have you call on me when you are in this city."-Roy W. Eves, Mayor, Cumberland, Md.

"Inadequate housing: The housing situation in Washington and other large cities is spawning a vast number of where-else-can-we-go individuals.

"For an entire decade people have been unable to find satisfactory living quarters at rentals they can afford to pay. Scores of thousands have become perennial, but hopeless, househunters. Merely tolerating their present living quarters. They exist in them without sense of pride, sense of permanency or interest in upkeep and embellishment.

But these

"True, now apartments are being constructed in suburban area. rentals are too high for middle and low-income families, and single persons. Such apartments merely tentalize, with their display of picture windows and cabinet-lined kitchens.

"Meanwhile, accessible locations for apartments go on festering with dilapidated shacks, or disintegrate into parking lots.

"People resent the situation bitterly. But they are powerless. Their very frustration is breeding a deep hostility against the powers that allow such conditions to arise and continue.

When can predict

"Such hostility tends to express itself in destructiveness. the outcome of prolonged dissatisfaction with old, ugly, cramped living quarters paid for out of scrimping on food, medical attention, and other necessities?" "R. W.", Washington, D. C.-Copied from the Washington Post.

"I can assure you that many people in this section of the country are very much interested in this movement. What is most needed is some way of getting this movement in action among the people. I have not met one that has spoken against this idea, in fact they are all for it and state that it is about time somebody gave some thought to the Housing of Single People, especially the middle-aged or older."-Mr. Rufus Hodges, Mechanicville, N. Y.

"As a psychiatrist of many years' experience in the employ of the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene, I am especially interested in the obtaining of a proper and healthful environment for young and mature women who are away from their home environment, either working to support themselves or retired."-D. E. S. Hellweg, Washington, D. C.

"Your seventh newsletter has reached me this morning, and it is well gotten up and presents the subject in a forceful manner.

"I think your project is commendable and your enthusiasm admirable. I think the idea should be promoted, but how to interest the powers-that-be, I am at a loss to visualize." -Mabel Kerr, Atlanta, Ga.

Mr. Philip M. Kaiser, special assistant to Governor Harriman in a survey of the problems of the aged said "There is no place on the American Scene" for an employer attitude which places persons in their late thirties in the "aged category." He said that our status as individuals and our well-being centers around work and our capacity to work." He asked "What will happen to confidence and morale, not to speak of our self-respect as responsible, self-supporting members of the community, if we are to become too old at the age of 35 or 40." He warned that the State must move to prevent "mental breakdowns" and strive to reserve "a steady and significant increase of the elderly in our state hospitals."-Copied from the New York Herald Tribune.

"Congratulations, on your efforts to form housing for single persons. That is, indeed, a long-felt want in this vicinity. Were your project introduced here, I feel confident it would develop into a great success."-Mary Oline Hegg, Minneapolis, Minn.

"It now looks very much as if our Government will soon become the owner of several large housing projects. These houses, or some of them, I think, should be leased to older people at a nominal rental figure.

"To be realistic, our Government would probably realize more out of a housing project 'for older people' than through any other plan that could be devised."-C. P. Robertson, Stoneville, N. C.-Copied from the Christian Science Monitor.

"I have for some time, been very much interested in building rental housing for California's old-age pensioners. I have gone so far as to select a site for my project and have done some designing and planning for it. I have, however, met with little encouragement from lenders. I have discussed it at length with FHA to no avail and have talked with savings and loan and other sources of conventional lending with no success. I would be interested in hearing what your group has accomplished along this line."-Lucille R. Yates, president of women's committee, National Association of Home Builders, Sherman Oaks, Calif. "I am one of a large and terrified growing group past the 'great divide' of 65 years. We shall continue to 'snowball' as it were each passing year. And we are beginning to wonder in a helpless sort of way where we shall live and how. Very much in this category have known better days, and have, reprehensibly perhaps, but naturally, the desire to live as comfortably and 'genteelly' as possible within reasonable limits. This need will become more urgent every year."-M. M., Manhattan, N. Y.-copied from the New York World Telegram. Special housing program sought to comfort aged

A special program of housing for the Nation's elder citizens, particularly those who have to live alone, has been proposed by John Carroll, vice-chairman of the Boston Housing Authority.

"Mr. Carroll, whose studies of the problem indicate that 8.8 of every 100 persons in Connecticut are aged 65 or older, points out in a report placed before Congress that no new private rental housing is being made available to the elderly and there is no evidence of any interest' by private enterprise in such housing.

"Mr. Carroll, who has given years in trying to help those of low income and the underprivileged, says there is ample evidence that large numbers of oldsters live in decrepit Boston-area rooming houses and that tremendous sums in Federal, State and local taxes, paid to old-age assistance recipients for housing, are actually subsidizing slums, substandard dwellings and rundown boarding places.

“In every city, the olderly are jammed into ramshackle housing for which they pay enough to meet the rent for decent federally aided housing similar to that available to others. The aged can't qualify for existing federal housing in most instances,' Mr. Carroll said, "because most of them are alone. Consequently, they are forced to live in hotels.'

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