Public housing has come a long way. Not only are the housing options that are offered today better than what public housing had to offer years ago, but with new technology it is easier than ever to apply.

In an effort to help more people learn about and apply to see if they qualify for public housing, the Bristol Housing Authority launched a new website where they can do both – learn about housing options and apply for them. 

“So many elderly folks in our town are unaware that they can and should apply for public housing,” said housing authority executive director Candace Pansa. “The BHA is moving forward to broaden the understanding of the process. We want to let people be aware they can and should investigate the opportunities in public housing before it becomes too late.”

Pansa hopes people will see that qualifying for public housing is sometimes easier than expected. The basic guidelines require that you must be 62 years of age or older and must earn less than $40,400 for singles, or less than $46,200 for couples.

Sister Joeline Texeira, RSM, and Sister Edwin English, RSM, residents of Benjamin Church Manor for 19 years, say they never envisioned they would end up in public housing. However, they claim that the process was easy, and that they could not be happier.

 “To all seniors who qualify, no matter what vocation you have chosen in life, we urge you to get an application and become part of Public Housing,” Sister Texeira said. “To us, public housing has indeed been a Godsend, especially here at Benjamin Church Manor.”

Those interested in learning more about public housing opportunites for themselves or family members can visit the Bristol Housing Authority website, or contact Candace Pansa at 401/253-4464.