Addressing Homelessness Among Older Adults: Insights and Solutions

Erica Stokes, BASOC, MAC, CPS

Homelessness continues to be a pressing issue in the United States, with a striking 18% increase reported in 2024 (Oss, 2025). Among those affected, older adults represent a rapidly growing demographic. In 2000, adults aged 60 and older constituted 7.1% of the homeless population, but by 2020, this figure had surged to 18.8% (Oss, 2025). If current trends persist, individuals aged 50 and older will make up 50% of the homeless population in some regions by 2030. This blog delves into the factors contributing to homelessness among older adults and explores innovative solutions tailored to their unique needs.

Challenges Faced by Older Adults Experiencing Homelessness

The vulnerability of older adults to homelessness stems from several factors, including rising housing costs, limited access to social benefits, and inadequate support systems. Housing costs often consume over 50% of a low-income senior’s monthly income, leaving little for essentials like food and healthcare (Oss, 2025). Furthermore, only 15% of older adults experiencing homelessness access Social Security benefits, 21% receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and just 5% of eligible veterans utilize Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits (Oss, 2025). These financial constraints contribute to higher mortality rates among homeless seniors—four to five times higher than their housed peers (Oss, 2025).

Historical trends reveal that individuals born between 1955 and 1965 have consistently been overrepresented in the homeless population. This cohort faced significant challenges during their formative years, including economic recessions, the crack cocaine epidemic, high incarceration rates, and inadequate mental health services (Oss, 2025). These experiences have perpetuated a cycle of poverty and vulnerability, leaving many without a stable safety net.

Innovative Solutions to Address Senior Homelessness

Organizations like Serving Seniors in San Diego have implemented targeted programs to address the unique needs of older adults experiencing homelessness. Founded in 1970, Serving Seniors provides comprehensive services, including nutrition programs, case management, and affordable housing options. Their innovative initiatives, such as the Senior Safe at Home program and the Senior Emergency Assistance Fund, highlight practical solutions that can be scaled and replicated nationwide (Oss, 2025).

Key Insights and Recommendations

Through their work, Serving Seniors identified three critical characteristics of the homeless senior population:

1. Lack of a Safety Net: Economic or catastrophic events, such as job loss or medical emergencies, often precipitate homelessness among seniors. Addressing these vulnerabilities requires targeted financial interventions, such as shallow subsidies of $300 per month, which could prevent hundreds of older adults from losing their homes (Oss, 2025).
2. Hesitance to Use Shelters: Safety concerns and age-inappropriate environments deter many seniors from seeking shelter. Creating age-friendly spaces with physical accommodations and enhanced security can encourage greater utilization of these resources (Oss, 2025).
3. Need for Gerontological Training: Many service providers lack specialized training in gerontology, particularly in areas like cognitive issues, vision, and hearing impairments. Investing in regional training programs for service professionals is crucial for improving outcomes for older adults (Oss, 2025).

Opportunities for Community-Based Organizations

Addressing housing insecurity among seniors presents a significant opportunity for community-based organizations to expand their service offerings. Programs designed to support low-income older adults not only fulfill a critical social need but also help reduce healthcare costs, particularly for Medicare Advantage plans (Oss, 2025). Organizations can play a pivotal role in developing practical solutions that enhance housing stability and overall well-being for this vulnerable population.

Conclusion

The growing prevalence of homelessness among older adults underscores the urgent need for innovative and scalable solutions. By addressing the unique challenges faced by this demographic, organizations can make a meaningful impact while contributing to the broader goal of reducing homelessness. As the field continues to evolve, innovative insights and programs can serve as valuable models for tackling this complex issue.

For more information on innovative programs and strategies for addressing homelessness among older adults, visit CSBMG.

References

Oss, M. E. (2025, January 9). Gray expectations. OPEN MINDS. https://www.openminds.com