NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) and the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging are collaborating to bring the Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO) program to Lackawanna County to assist older adults in being able to live safely and independently, near caregivers, in their community.

Through a grant awarded to Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) and Pennsylvania for Aging (P4A) through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) NeighborWorks and Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging have been given the opportunity provide a new unit to Lackawanna County older adults. Three units have currently been placed in the northeastern Pennsylvania region through the ECHO program.

ECHO units are small, separate, manufactured residences that are temporarily placed on the property of an older adult’s friend or family member, maintaining independence for the older adult while the property owner is still able to provide care giving to ensure the safety of the older adult is maintained.

Applications will be accepted until October 7. Interested parties can access the application and Frequently Asked Questions on NeighborWorks website at http://www.nwnepa.org or at the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging office located at 123 Wyoming Avenue, 4th Floor, Scranton PA 18509. 

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria: host property located in Lackawanna County; older adult income at or below 80% area median income; older adult must be able to live independently but require occasional caregiver assistance; older adult must be agreeable to paying affordable rent.

For more information and a schedule of events please contact Mary Endrusick, Director of Aging in Place at 570-558-2490.