Over the past 6 months, an increasing number of older adults have stopped by my office at the Senior Center seeking assistance in finding stable housing. Maybe you know … Someone who has lost their job due to health issues and decreased income has resulted in refinancing, diminishing cash flow forever OR Someone who has lost housing due to sale of home, death of homeowner, or some other reason and available income falls short of fair market value making it impossible to secure a new home OR Someone who can meet rising costs only by working more but health issues are a barrier to that single option OR Someone who lives modestly but whose savings have been exhausted OR Someone who was lucky enough to get on the Section 8 waitlist but learns it will take years to be called OR, OR, OR. While each of those seeking help was presently housed, all had reason to suspect that would not be the case in 6 months’ time. While each was being proactive in seeking resources and services to avoid potential homelessness, all had to readjust and lower expectations. And while some will be unable to avoid homelessness, all will experience adversity to some degree. Circumstances can change in the blink of an eye, or the writing on the wall can be ignored, or prudent efforts to seek help can prove not to be enough. In my quest to make valuable connections for these older adults, I have been unsuccessful. However, I have learned much, which I would like to share.
· Being at risk for homelessness really does not amount to much right now, because the number of homeless is great.
· There are some awesome programs available but many have narrow eligibility requirements.
· Paths to getting referrals for a “golden ticket,” i.e., voucher, waiver, or financial assistance, are directed and deliberate.
· Veteran status carries weight.
· Complicated health challenges should be articulated, as they can be important. Enlist assistance through Insurer's Social Worker or Case Management.
· Low income/financial need is not enough.
· Phone, email, appear in person (where possible), REPEAT, EXPAND, CONTINUE. Stay committed to your task at hand.
· Strength and energy are required but not always available to vulnerable older adults.
What I am left with is that as today’s homeless are housed, those at risk will become tomorrow’s homeless, and so the issue continues. Services need to be more inclusive of those at risk to effectively mitigate our homeless crisis.
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