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5. Special Needs Housing There are several types of households typically identified as having special housing needs, because they have a harder time than most finding suitable housing. Special needs populations include seniors, persons with disabilities, large low- income families, single mothers, farmworkers, extremely low income households, and the homeless. Seniors The statistics for seniors living alone suggest a possible demand for shared housing programs in the City, creating a potential housing resource for lower - income senior renters. The demand for affordable assisted living and congregate care facilities remains high. Condominiums, in -law units, and amenity -rich multi - family apartments for those "downsizing" from single family homes will be in high demand. Single Parent Households and Large Families Single parent households, particularly single female- headed households, tend to have a higher need for affordable housing than the general population. The number of "large" families (five persons or more) is on the rise. ACS data for 2006 suggests that a growing share of San Leandro's large families are buying homes rather than renting apartments. Some of the change may be attributable to the growing number of extended families buying homes in the City. Persons with Disabilities and Extremely Low Income Households Disabled persons may require housing with specific physical attributes, such as wheelchair ramps, elevators, and proximity to transit and social services. Many disabled households have limited income for housing, either because they are unable to work or because they have significant health and medical expenses. Extremely Low Income Households and Homeless Persons Extremely low - income households earn less than 30% of the area median income. In San Leandro, a family of four earning $27,100 or less would be considered extremely low income. While many extremely low- income households are seniors, a substantial number are working individuals and families in low -wage service jobs. Most of these households are renters, often spending more than half of their incomes on housing. Some extremely low - income households double up to cover their housing costs. The demand for housing for extremely low - income households exceeds the supply. San Leandro currently has about 679 below market rate rental units regulated by the City and Agency (of which 14 serve extremely low - income households) and about 1,250 Section 8 housing voucher recipients. A homeless person is one who lacks a permanent, regular, and adequate residence. Alameda County's 2009 Homeless Count estimate for San Leandro was 201 homeless residents, probably a conservative figure. Mid- county includes a disproportionately high number of females and families with children. The San Leandro Unified School District estimates that there are as many as 270 homeless children within the District. Of these, approximately 60 reside in shelters, and others are living in overcrowded situations. The San Leandro Police Department estimates that there are 40 -50 chronically homeless San Leandro Redevelopment Agency 2010 -2014 Implementation Plan Page 21