1. Reasons for increasing homelessness among older Californians
2. Study on the rising homelessness trend among elderly Californians.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : Good morning. It’s Tuesday, 28th of May. Here’s what you need to know to start your day.
A recent study has shed light on the growing issue of homelessness among older Californians. The Golden State has long been known as the epicenter of homelessness in the United States, and among the homeless population, older adults aged 50 and above are experiencing the fastest rise in numbers.
The study, conducted by UC San Francisco’s Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI), revealed some alarming statistics. It found that 48% of all single adults experiencing homelessness in California are aged 50 or older, with 41% of them becoming homeless for the first time after reaching the age of 50.
A follow-up report from BHHI researchers delves deeper into this concerning trend, projecting a tripling of homelessness among people aged 65 and older in the US between 2017 and 2030. The report, titled “Toward Dignity: Understanding Older Adult Homelessness,” explores the reasons older adults lose housing, their struggles while homeless, and the barriers they face in accessing housing.
Margot Kushel, the director of BHHI and lead author of the study, emphasized the urgent need for real solutions to prevent and end homelessness among older adults. She stated, “We are failing our older adults by allowing them to spend their last years on our streets and in our shelters. The dramatic rise in homelessness among older adults has severe consequences for their health and safety, as well as for society at large.”
The study, which builds on the largest representative study of homelessness in decades, challenges common misconceptions about homelessness. Contrary to the belief that unhoused individuals are relocating to California, the study found that 91% of older homeless adults in the state lost their last stable housing within California, with the majority previously housed in the same county where they are currently homeless.
The report also highlighted the significant challenges faced by older homeless adults. More than two-thirds of those surveyed reported experiencing physical violence, and 19% reported experiencing sexual violence, often before the age of 18. The study revealed high rates of mental health conditions and substance use among older homeless adults, with many experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Key findings from the report include the risk factors for homelessness among older adults, the prevalence of chronic health conditions, and the overrepresentation of Black older adults among the homeless population. The study also highlighted the optimism among older adults that timely financial support could have prevented their homelessness, suggesting modest monthly subsidies or housing vouchers as potential solutions.
The authors of the study recommended policy changes to address the crisis, including increasing affordable housing stock, removing barriers to accessing services, strengthening eviction protections, and providing support for older adults exiting institutional settings. The report underscores the need for a comprehensive and compassionate response to the growing issue of homelessness among older Californians.
In conclusion, the study calls for a concerted effort to address the root causes of homelessness among older adults and provide them with the support and resources they need to secure stable housing and rebuild their lives. It is imperative that policymakers, communities, and individuals come together to tackle this pressing issue and ensure that older Californians are not left to spend their later years on the streets..
1. Homelessness among older Californians
2. Causes of homelessness in elderly population.
