Preventing Age 50+ Homelessness 🏡

[Anonymous]

💥This discussion was created on Saturday - April 17, 2021💥

Prevention is cheaper, versus rescuing us after we have become homeless!

• What measures you as one person can do to perhaps prevent your homelessness or another age 50+ person's homelessness?

• Let us discuss this onging crisis 🙂

💡MY PLAN TO HELP

I am encouraging the folks with extra $$$$ to spare to invest in building Tiny Cottages to rent to us in my location.

💡WHY I CARE

It took me being homeless July 2017 to August 2018 to care. Up to that season in my life, life was stable. It took being laid off 3 times in my 50's for reality to kick in. Lol, have no desire to be homeless agsin with me now living on Social Security alone. Yes, had to use my 401k in 2008 to pay off my brand new car. That was my 1st layoff after 9 awesome years with Harris Corporation, Melbourne, Florida. That started my unpredictible life journey, working wherever I could with no 401k.

💥WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU💥

Do you have a homeless story to share? We would luv to hear it!!!

[Winter2024]

🏡  Meet 4 OLDER Americans Who Survived Homelessness (AARP Article)

https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2022/older-americans-survived-homelessness.html

[Winter2024]

‌‌‌‌‌‌👵‌‌‌‌  I use to be a homeless OLD LADY!!!

I was homeless in 2017 at the age of 59 for 13 months.

And NO, I was NOT an addict.

My job hours got cut as other businesses were closing their doors = NO other job to get.

[1] In 2017 I had to relocate to another city in Virginia in order to obtain a bed in a Rescue Mission where I was able to work and save. I used Amtrak.

[2] I bought a second-hand car in 2018 and moved into a place of my own with NO ASSISTANCE from anyone. The $5,000.00 I had saved during my 13 months in the Rescue Mission was all gone by the time I moved out (car stuff,apartment/utilities deposits).

[3] While my life is NOT perfect at the moment, I now have a SAFE place to call home. GRATEFUL!!!  🙃

TO ANYONE OUT THERE WHO IS HOMELESS - this  ‌‌‌‌📸‌‌‌‌  attachment  ‌‌‌‌📸‌‌‌‌  is for you my friend.

Nicole  ‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)

[Winter2024]

🏡  The Problem of Rising Rents and Where to Find Help (AARP Article)

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!!

The High Cost of Rising Rents.

OLDER Americans with limited incomes struggle to keep up with steep increases.

Rent increases and older adults.

Know Your Rights: What to Do If Your Rent Gets Jacked Up!

Learn your rights. Check to see if your landlord gave you the information and the advance notice required by state and local laws. Some places also have rent stabilization laws that limit rent increases. You can find free legal help through the Legal Services Corporation and the Eldercare Locator run by the U.S. Administration on Aging.     

https://www.aarp.org/money/budgeting-saving/info-2022/rising-rents-affordable-housing-resources.html

[Winter2024]

🏡  Resources That Help the Homeless With Housing and More​ (AARP Resource Center)

https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2022/resouces-to-help-the-homeless.html

[Winter2024]

🏡  3 Steps to Avoiding Foreclosure (AARP Article)

Here’s What To Do If You’re Struggling With Mortgage Payments.

https://my.aarpfoundation.org/article/foreclosure-assistance/

[Winter2024]

🏡  Find emergency housing (USAGov)

If you are facing HOMELESSNESS, these programs can help you find short-term housing.

https://www.usa.gov/emergency-housing

[Winter2024]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌😴‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌  To anyone who is SLEEPING on the street TONIGHT, you are in my thoughts!!! As a former homeless old person (age 59, 2017), I know the hardships involved.  😭😭😭

TOMORROW is another day to seek a place to call home. NEVER GIVE UP.

BE SAFE my friend(s).

Nicole  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)

[Winter2024]

🌍   I HAVE OFTEN READ ABOUT OTHER COUNTRIES AND HOW WELL THEY PROVIDE FOR US OLD PEOPLE = less ending up homeless!!! 8 countries are listed below.

[Per Google Al] Which country is best for senior citizens?

Some countries that are considered good for senior citizens include:

[1] Switzerland.
A top country for aging, Switzerland has policies and programs that promote the health of older adults. A 60-year-old in Switzerland can expect to live an average of 25 more years, with 19 of those years expected to be in good health.

[2] Japan.
A senior citizen-friendly country with a government that makes efforts to make everyday life easier. More than 20% of Japan's population is above 70 years old.

[3] Denmark.
Ranked as the country with the highest happiness rank for people aged 60 and older.

[4] Finland.
Ranked as the second happiest country for people aged 60 and older.

[5] Norway.
Ranked as the third happiest country for people aged 60 and older.

[6] Sweden.
Ranked as the fourth happiest country for people aged 60 and older.

[7] Other countries that are considered good for aging include Canada and Australia.

[Winter2024]

🏡  Vickie Seat’s Story: From Homelessness to Independence (AARP Article)

https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/income/scsep/vickie-seat-scsep-story.html

[Winter2024]

‌🏡‌  "A house is a home when it shelters the body and comforts the soul."

--Phillip Moffitt

[Winter2024]

👴👵  AARP Foundation Helps STRUGGLING OLDER Americans (AARP Article)

Who We Are.

AARP Foundation creates and advances effective solutions to reduce poverty for and with OLDER adults.

https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/about-us.html

[Winter2024]

🏡  Avoid eviction (USAGov)

If you are behind on rent and received a demand for payment, an eviction notice, or an eviction lawsuit, understand your rights and how to get help.

https://www.usa.gov/avoid-eviction

[Winter2024]

‌💡‌  WHY I CARE!!!

It took me being homeless July 2017 to August 2018 to care. Up to that season in my life, life was stable. It took being laid off 3 times in my 50's for reality to kick in. Lol, have no desire to be homeless again with me now living on Social Security alone. Yes, had to use my 401k in 2008 to pay off my brand new car. That was my 1st layoff after 9 awesome years with Harris Corporation, Melbourne, Florida. That started my unpredictible life journey, working wherever I could with no 401k.

Nicole  ‌🏡‌  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)

[Winter2024]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌👋‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌  Good Morning!!!

It is NOT easy or SAFE spending the "night" on the streets.  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌😭‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌😭‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌😭‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

If YOU are age 50 or OLDER and NOW homeless or being EVICTED - I can help.

As a FORMERLY (NEVER been AGAIN) homeless at age 59 in 2017, I know and understand.

NEVER GIVE UP AND NEVER FEEL ASHAMED my friends.

Stuff happens to ALL of us.

Hit reply button below. Enter your text. Hit reply again. Or send me an AARP PM (private message).

Nicole  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)‌‌

[Winter2024]

‌COMPASSION  ‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌

[1] NOT every homeless person is an addict or a criminal or crazy.

[2] Some are people who are just like us who maybe lost a job or had medical bills that cleaned out their savings.

[3] So NEXT TIME you read about the homeless or see one, have some compassion.

Thank you,

Nicole  ‌‌‌‌‌‌👵‌‌‌‌‌‌  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)

[Winter2024]

OUR MILITARY HOMELESS.  😭😭😭

There’s no reason someone who has fought for their country should be homeless or jobless. – Chris Kyle

[Winter2024]

🏡  LA Homeless Man's Journey to Becoming a CEO (AARP Article)

https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2023/los-angeles-homeless-to-ceo.html

[Winter2024]

💼  JOBS ARE NEEDED FOR THE HOMELESS!!!

(a) Getting to a job, an issue as not many homeless have a vehicle or can afford a bus pass.

(b) Access to a shower and work clothes can also be an issue.

*** Now some locations do help with this and I am hoping MORE will follow.  ***

Some do want to work and become financially independent with a SAFE place to call home.

Personally from my 13 months of being homeless, this was a MAJOR ISSUE for me.

I had to relocate to another city within Virginia in 2017 at age 59 when my job hours were reduced. Tried to get a 2nd job to add to my weekly hours but other businesses were closing their doors. Took Amtrak to my NEW location. GRATEFUL there was a bed waiting for me at the Rescue Mission where I lived until I had SAVED enough to buy a second-hand car [2006 Hyundai Elantra] and move into a Studio Apartment [NO assistance with this]. Saved $5,000.00 from my NEW job through the Goodwill SCSEP [Senior Community Service Employment Program]. A part-time assignment to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore while I looked for a REAL JOB. And yes I found one at Carilion Hospital here in Virginia. Lol, and ALL of my $5,000.00 was gone - spent on car stuff, apartment/utilities deposits and so on. GRATEFUL my then KIND Property Manager knew I was homeless and NOT getting any SLEEP at the Rescue Mission let me MOVE IN before my lease started. Two weeks EARLY and not charged. I MISS her!!! Because of her I passed my PROBATION time at my NEW job. There was NO WAY I would have with NO SLEEP at nights while working the Front Desk at Carilion Hospital = phone and people in a very busy environment. Some days I was pulling double shifts to get that overtime.  🙃

Anyway, just wanted folks to know that IF you are in a position to help someone who is homeless get a JOB - please do!!!

Thanks,

Nicole  👵  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)

[Winter2024]

@GailL1 , I share through PMs as everyone's situation is UNIQUE. Folks contact me for HELP this way. As far as folks SHARING on this site, I have NO control over that  = they PREFER the "privacy" of the AARP PM's and I totally agree with them.

**** YOU WROTE.

How were you able to turn things around after August 2018 or after this year of homelessness? Perhaps some suggestions on how you and others may have turned the tide would help people who find themselves in such an awful situation.

[GailL1]

---

@Winter2024 wrote:

💡  WHY I CARE!!!

It took me being homeless July 2017 to August 2018 to care. Up to that season in my life, life was stable. It took being laid off 3 times in my 50's for reality to kick in. Lol, have no desire to be homeless again with me now living on Social Security alone. Yes, had to use my 401k in 2008 to pay off my brand new car. That was my 1st layoff after 9 awesome years with Harris Corporation, Melbourne, Florida. That started my unpredictible life journey, working wherever I could with no 401k.

Nicole  🏡  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)

---

How were you able to turn things around after August 2018 or after this year of homelessness?  Perhaps some suggestions on how you and others may have turned the tide would help people who find themselves in such an awful situation.  

[Winter2024]

💡  MY PLAN TO HELP!!!

I am encouraging the folks with extra $$$$ to spare to invest in building Tiny Cottages to rent to us in my location.

Do you have any plans to help?

Nicole  🏡  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)

[Winter2024]

🐕  WAYS TO HELP people experiencing HOMELESSNESS with their DOGS. 😭😭😭

[1] Donate supplies. You can donate food, water bowls, toys, treats, bedding, leashes, collars, and more to a local pet food pantry or homeless shelter. You can also host a pet food drive at a school, church, or business.

[2] Provide veterinary care. Organizations like The Street Dog Coalition offer free veterinary care and other services to pets of people experiencing homelessness.

[3] Offer a foster home. You can offer to temporarily foster a homeless person's pet while they get help.

[4] Negotiate with pet boarding facilities. You can negotiate a reduced rate or no fee for pet boarding with a local facility and refer people in crisis there.

[5] Pay for vaccinations. You can offer to pay for updated vaccinations so that the pet can be welcome at pet-friendly facilities.

[6] Create a network. You can talk to people in your neighborhood, church, or Rotary Club about offering their homes or yards to a homeless person's pet.

📸  Attachment  📸

[Winter2024]

[1] Prevention is cheaper, versus rescuing us after we have become homeless!

[2] What measures you as ONE person can do to perhaps prevent your homelessness or another age 50+ person's homelessness?

[3] Let us discuss this onging crisis!!! 🙂

Thanks,

Nicole  🏡  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)

[Winter2024]

Seven out of ten Americans are one paycheck away from being homeless. – Pras Michel

[Winter2024]

‌‌👍‌‌  Remember, any of us could be "homeless" due to job loss, medical bills and so on.

WE NEVER think it will happen to us!!!

Lol, I found this out in 2017 age 59 when my job hours were reduced and other businesses were closing. And trust me, NOT alot of Housing Assistance out there for us.

Nicole  ‌‌🏡‌‌  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)

[Winter2024]

Not everyone who’s homeless is a drug-addict or in need of mental health care. Some are normal people who’ve been knocked down, and it can happen to you too. Not all of us made bad life choices.  – Sherrilyn Kenyon

[Winter2024]

♻️♻️♻️  Anyone live in SAN ANTONIO? Wow, I didnot realize Ikea was doing this!!!  👍👍👍

Inside Ikea's thoughtfully designed tiny house (10/30/24 Fast Company).

The company used trauma-informed design to create a comfortable, welcoming space for formerly homeless seniors in San Antonio.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91218065/inside-ikeas-thoughtfully-designed-tiny-house

[Winter2024]

♻️  Hi Diane @DianeF205850 , yes. We can try the AARP PM (private message system) IF you are set up.  👍👍👍

I am heading to send you one NOW!!!

Luv,

Nicole  🤗🤗🤗  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)

---

[*** DIANE wrote: Is there any means by which you and I could talk privately? ***]

[DianeF205850]

 Is there any means by which you and I could talk privately?