The Problem: Senior Homelessness in America
The vision of the “American Dream” culminates with a peaceful retirement spent securely in a warm home surrounded by loved ones. Often called the “Golden Years,” this idealistic finale has been touted as being attainable to every American. Now, however, these “Golden Years” are beyond the reach of many. As poverty and homelessness continue to surge nationwide, older adults are facing the reality of life on the streets. According to San Diego’s 2020 Point in Time Count, 27% of those unsheltered were 55 or more years old. Those numbers are expected to continue to rise as the next generation ages. Many older adults are finding themselves homeless for the first time. In fact according to Serving Seniors, 43% of seniors currently experiencing homelessness became homeless for the first time in their lives. This means that the factors contributing to senior homelessness are less likely to be severe long-term mental health or substance abuse. So, what is causing this alarming uptick in homeless seniors?What Causes Senior Homelessness?
When we consider a nationwide lack of affordable housing, an age discriminatory workforce, and salary stagnation throughout the years, it’s not surprising that more seniors are now finding themselves without a place to live. Many are unable to pay their rent or mortgage for a variety of reasons, including:- Lack of affordable housing
- Consequences of the 2008 economic crisis
- Consequences of the coronavirus pandemic
- Low wage work throughout life and therefore a lack of retirement income
- Inability to continue work due to physical health
- Lack of family/friends to provide needed support
- Systemic racial discrimination
- A crisis such as:
- Job loss
- Illness of them or a spouse
- Death of a spouse or parent
- Lack of “safety net”
Every day, Laurie Bronzellino, the Transitional Housing Program Manager for Father Joe’s Villages, sees firsthand the struggle low-income seniors face when it comes to paying for housing on a limited income:
“For most of the single adults that we work with on the Transitional Housing team, Social Security in San Diego only pays $910 per month, while the rent for a single-room-occupancy, studio or even just a room to rent start at $900—If you’re lucky. Affordable housing is almost non-existent. What we have are people over 50 on a fixed income of $910 per month. They can either work part-time or not work at all to supplement their income due to physical and/or mental health issues. Or, they are discriminated against because of their age so they can’t find a decent job.”
Affordable Housing for Seniors
The lack of affordable housing for seniors is a significant concern. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, at least nine seniors are waiting for every one occupied unit of affordable elderly housing nationwide. The average wait for affordable senior housing is 8-10 years (in places like New York City, seniors can wait even longer). In San Diego, especially, it is difficult for seniors to find the affordable housing they need. Section 8 housing is a federal program that provides subsidized housing to those whose income is less than 50 percent of the area’s median income. As of December 2021, the average price of an apartment is $2,600 in San Diego, according to Rent Cafe. Only 5% of apartments have a rent of less than $1,500 a month and 80% of apartments cost over $2,000. This makes it almost impossible to afford housing if you rely on social security or a minimum wage job.
Senior Homelessness Statistics in San Diego
Here in San Diego, senior homelessness is a significant problem. According to the 2020 Point-in-Time Count from the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, of the 3,971 people experiencing homelessness in San Diego who live unsheltered, 27% living on the street were 55 years old or older (that’s 985 people). Seniors have a more challenging time adapting and often have health conditions aggravated by life on the streets. Homeless seniors in their 50’s and 60’s often face health issues comparable to those living in homes in their 70’s and 80’s. The truth is that the average lifespan of those living on the streets is significantly shorter than those who can find refuge in shelters. This concerning issue not only needs to be addressed nationwide but also on a local level. That’s why Father Joe’s Villages is doing all we can to ensure that San Diego’s homeless seniors have all the resources they need for a better future. So, what is Father Joe’s Villages doing to help?Our Services for Seniors Experiencing Homelessness
Father Joe’s Villages makes those most vulnerable a priority. We give people aged 70 and older intake priority for our shelters. Additionally, we also offer intake priority to anyone who is frail, deaf, blind, has a cognitive impairment, is in their last trimester of pregnancy, or is a family with children. In 2020, we provided services for close to 1,300 people ages 62 and above. Our Day Center for Homeless Adults serves as a safe place for homeless seniors to rest and during the day, while the Village Health Center provides them with any physical and behavioral health care they might need. Additionally, our Dental Clinic offers restorative dentistry and full/partial dentures to restore their ability to eat and speak. Case Managers, Tenant Services Coordinators, and our SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) Program help seniors apply for benefits to have an income that can help lead to independence. If needed, they also have access to daily meals, employment and education training, substance-use disorder treatment, and other services. Additional supportive services include:- case management
- behavioral health services
- nurse visits
- medication management
- Psychiatry
- peer support groups
“Remember that the clients we serve are someone’s parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends,” says Lauri. “We must treat everyone here as we would want someone to treat one of our own family members if they were in this situation—with compassion, empathy, empowerment, respect, and dignity.”
What You Can do to Help Seniors Experiencing Homelessness
There are countless ways to help end homelessness, from supporting Father Joe’s Villages monetarily to instituting a matching gifts program at your company, or voting for politicians who will institute proven initiatives that reduce the number of seniors experiencing homelessness. Here are just a few of your options:- Volunteer at Father Joe’s Villages
- Donate household goods to Father Joe’s Villages
- Participate in an event organized by Father Joe’s Villages
- Donate your car or other vehicle to Father Joe’s Villages
- Support:
- Building more affordable housing
- Providing mental health and addiction services.
- Reducing and eliminating systemic descrimination.
- Improve the quality of life for veterans.
