The
National Healthcare For the Homeless notes that the homeless
population in the United States is aging, mirroring general
population trends. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the current
elderly population will double by 2050, resulting in approximately 89
million people over the age of 65. Similar trends are expected for
those experiencing homelessness, according to projections by the
Homeless Research Institute. It is estimated that elderly
homelessness will increase by 33% in 2020 (44,172 in 2010 to 58,772
in 2020). By 2050, the elderly homeless population is projected to
more than double, with 95,000 elderly persons expected to be living
without stable housing. Although a number of safety net programs
exist for the elderly, those between ages 50 and 64 often
fall through the cracks despite having similar physical health to
those much older due to daily stress, poor nutrition, and living
conditions. In 2011, almost one-quarter of U.S. individuals below the
poverty level were over the age of 62, demonstrating the financial
instability of older and elderly adults. Two prominent studies
have confirmed the prevalence of first time homelessness among older
and elderly adults. The first, a study of three international cities
(including Boston), found the majority of elderly participants to be
newly homeless with a history of stable adult employment and private
living accommodations. Among these individuals, common causes of
homelessness included: financial problems, mental health problems,
relationship breakdown, physical health problems, and issues related
to work.
There
has been no additional funding since 2010, therefore federal rental
assistance programs have not kept pace with the growing need.
Currently 37% elderly or disabled households in need receive no
assistance. When housing costs consume more than half of household
income, low-income families are at greater risk of becoming homeless.
And being homeless and living on the street invites dangerous
situations.
Compared
with the overall locations of Florida's low-income older population,
elder-occupied government-subsidized rental housing units are
concentrated in fewer counties. On the basis of several
standards, these affordable housing units are judged to be unfairly
located, resulting in most of the state's low-income elderly
population living in counties that are under served by these
accommodations. Government-subsidized affordable rental units
available to older persons are unequally and unfairly distributed
throughout Florida's counties.
A
wealth gap is not new in Palm Beach County, where for decades the
wealthiest enclave in the U.S. is but a 50-minute drive from some of
the poorest people in the nation. But there are many signs that it is
worsening. As noted in the Palm Beach Post 9/19/11 "We
are probably the richest county here in Florida," .....and there
are certainly areas in the Belle Glade area that look like a Third
World country. It's just not right to have people living that way,
especially here in Palm Beach County..... you may have the highest
inequality in Palm Beach County, compared to any other part of the
state".
President
Obama and the U.S.Congress recently reauthorized the Older American
Act, a
vital piece of legislation that supports programs and services such
as home cooked meals, disease prevention, health promotions,
caregiver support, transportation,etc for approximately 11 million
individuals and their families. Noticeably missing was funding for
low income housing . Every eight seconds until 2026 somebody is
turning 65, bringing the total to seventy million.
We
have a severe crisis of affordable senior housing in Florida, with a
wait list of five years. To make matters worse, some of those lists
are closed...which promises even a longer wait.
It
is vital that each of the Presidential candidates be well informed of
the issues and support an expansion of affordable senior housing. A
recent study of the Harvard’s Joint Center for Affordable Housing
noted that the country is not prepared to meet the housing
needs of this aging population. Therefore it is critical that you and
others know the candidate’s record and position on issues that are
important to older Americans. Since 67% of the people over 65 have no
pension or savings, and live just on their social security,
affordable housing is an important step to avoid becoming homeless.
The most effective way to bring about change is to make the effort to let our elected officials know of the hardships so many of our seniors are or will be facing. Therefore I welcome your comments and would be interested in hearing if you or someone you know is finding it difficult to find affordable housing. Names are not necessary.....just the voices.
(e-mail:jed472@bellsouth.net)
The most effective way to bring about change is to make the effort to let our elected officials know of the hardships so many of our seniors are or will be facing. Therefore I welcome your comments and would be interested in hearing if you or someone you know is finding it difficult to find affordable housing. Names are not necessary.....just the voices.
(e-mail:jed472@bellsouth.net)