America’s Housing Crisis Intensifies: Homelessness Among Older Adults on the Rise
According to a recent study released by the University of California, San Francisco, California has been grappling with a long-standing issue of homelessness. Even more concerning, another study suggests that by 2030, the number of homeless people aged 65 and older across the United States will skyrocket.
The findings from UCSF shed light on the root causes of this crisis, which include insufficient income and a lack of affordable housing. The researchers emphasize that increasing the housing supply for ultra-low-income residents is the only viable solution to combat homelessness.
Lead researcher Margo Kusher stated that the study’s findings confirm that a significant number of Californians are living on the streets due to unaffordable housing costs. In fact, the high cost of housing, rather than mental health issues or drug addiction, is the primary driver of homelessness.
The study revealed that the median monthly household income for respondents was a mere $960 in the six months leading up to their homelessness. In contrast, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in California stands at $1,897, according to data from U.S. real estate website Zillow.
Research also indicates that 70% of respondents believe that a monthly rental subsidy ranging from $300 to $500 would be sufficient to help them secure housing and escape homelessness.
The burden of homelessness falls particularly heavily on older adults, as highlighted by the UCSF study. It reveals that 47% of homeless individuals are aged 50 and older. Cities like New York City, Anchorage, Alaska, and Portland, Oregon, are witnessing a growing trend of elderly homelessness, as these areas not only have high rents but also tend to favor younger renters.
Maureen Fleming, a 67-year-old choreographer and performance artist, and her 68-year-old artist husband have lived in a Manhattan apartment for 40 years. However, the rent for their apartment has skyrocketed from $450 in 1981 to a recent $1,675, making it unaffordable for them. Consequently, Fleming and her husband were forced to move.
“The move was the hardest, scariest thing we’ve ever been through,” Fleming shared.
A 2019 study conducted by University of Pennsylvania professor Dennis Culhane predicts that the number of homeless older adults will nearly triple in the next 10 years. By 2030, the number of homeless people aged 65 and over in the United States is projected to increase from 40,000 in 2019 to a staggering 106,000.
Adding to the concern, homeless seniors often have specific medical needs that must be addressed. Lisa Grove, CEO of Arizona’s largest shelter, emphasized that these elderly individuals require treatment for chronic diseases and psychological problems, and many of them rely solely on fixed incomes.
“They’re sorely lacking in housing, and we have to address homelessness among seniors,” Grove stressed.
The escalating crisis of homelessness among older adults calls for urgent action and comprehensive solutions to ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the support and housing they desperately need.
[Responsible editor: Yan Yujie]
How does spending more than 30% of income on housing contribute to housing instability and homelessness among older adults?
Of housing costs should not exceed 30% of their income in order to be considered affordable. However, a staggering 90% of respondents reported that they were spending more than 30% of their income on housing, leaving them vulnerable to housing instability and homelessness.
The problem is further exacerbated by the lack of available affordable housing options. The study found that there are only 45 affordable and available rental homes for every 100 extremely low-income renters in California. This scarcity of affordable housing forces many seniors into unstable living situations, such as overcrowded apartments or staying with friends or family, ultimately leading to homelessness.
The implications of this housing crisis on older adults are profound. Homelessness among older adults has been linked to a range of health issues, including mental health disorders, chronic illnesses, and premature mortality. The lack of stable housing also hinders access to necessary healthcare and social services, further worsening their overall well-being.
To address this crisis, the researchers argue for the prioritization of affordable housing initiatives. They recommend increasing investments in affordable housing developments, expanding rental assistance programs, and implementing eviction prevention policies. Additionally, they stress the importance of addressing income inequality and providing adequate support for seniors on fixed incomes.
Without swift and comprehensive action, the numbers of homeless older adults will continue to rise, leaving a lasting impact on both individuals and communities. It is crucial for policymakers, community organizations, and stakeholders to come together to find sustainable solutions to ensure housing security for all older adults in America.
This article sheds light on the alarming intersection of homelessness and aging in America. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to provide support, resources, and shelters to this vulnerable population.
This article sheds light on a pressing issue that often goes unnoticed – the convergence of homelessness and aging in America. Exploring the challenges faced by aging citizens without stable housing, it calls for renewed attention and comprehensive solutions to tackle this looming crisis.