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!!!

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏡  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/

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

An advocate Age 65 for the homeless in Philadelphia faces losing her own home (AARP Video)

https://videos.aarp.org/detail/video/3951348750001/alicia:-facing-homelessness

[GailL1]

@SpringIsHereSoHappy 

That particular AARP video is about financial security of older people - and yes, she did have financial problems.

When I see or read something like this from an organization, my 1st thought is about the questions they didn’t ask - 

Here I would be wondering if this lady is actually getting a Social Security Retirement benefit - many nonprofits don’t pay into the Social Security system and Social Security is an earned benefit.

SSA.gov- If You Work for a Nonprofit Organization - 2024 publication

She maybe getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which is a welfare program administered by the SSA for the benefit of those who are elderly, blind or disabled but aren’t eligible for Social Security or not enough to give them a bigger benefit that the $ 943 a month they get from SSI, along with food stamps, and maybe housing or housing voucher, Medicaid as a supplement to Medicare or as whole coverage.

After a person is old, there is little that can be done then to correct their financial problems so they must rely on charitable programs to help them out -Charity covers only so much  -  Since charity is need based - one gets what is given so it is lacking in building personal dreams and aspirations. 

To fix this problem we have to start very early in teaching people how to build and stay financially secure - like teaching them in early grades the ways of the financial world and good financial habits.

Many people have made detrimental financial mistakes just because they don’t understand how things work - and get themselves into financial pickles, so to speak.

I am sorry for this lady - but she has to bear some of the blame.  Or maybe she is just giving the story to help her own advocacy position.  One must take care of themselves in order to help others to the maximum.

I am supporting this (see link) organization where I live - a success rate of almost 80%.  The other 17% or so, we lost to addiction.  But see here, we start real early with a (2) year plan for each of the families (all single women families).  Here we are fixing homelessness early, one family at a time, with financial literacy and good habits.  

Restoration Storehouse.org- Phoenix Pass 

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

@GailL1 , it is an AARP Video in their Homeless Category and I never question their articles or videos. As an Organization I am sure they checked her out BEFORE doing her story. Thanks for your comment 👵

[GailL1]

@SpringIsHereSoHappy 

At the end of the video, it says 

AARP PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE
Join the conversation about financial security for older Americans
aarp.org/security

I’m sure it is all happening to her - I just don’t think it is a good thing to promote an advocacy with something that is so preventable -

this type of charity promo should pull at the heart strings - that’s why they make them  You know the ole “ thru no fault of their own”

Isn’t that why you posted it here?

 The reasons for homelessness are many - I also read somewhere that the new PC word is “UNHOUSED” or UNSHELTERED and this problem no matter the name used is much different than “affordability” 

Like this:

WCAX - Vermont - 04/26/2024 - How Groups Are Using Tiny Homes to help the unhoused across the countr...

Thought you might like this one since it deals with the Tiny Home Concept 

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

@GailL1 , I had no particular reason for posting this AARP Video except that it dealt with a 65-year old woman facing homelessness.

As a formerly homeless lady I do not pass judgement or tell folks what to do. But I do know that when my job hours were reduced in Manassas, Virginia when I was age 59 - I had no options as at that time that area was having issues.

I am GRATEFUL the Roanoke Rescue Mission in Roanoke, Virginia had a bed and was willing to let a NON resident move in. This is NOT the case with alot of places.

I am age 66 this year and I try to do my part in my community on my level to PREVENT age 50+ homelessness. Sitting around discussing the issue and waiting on other folks to help is NOT my style.

Any of us can be homeless in our old age through NO FAULT of ours. Stuff happens...

Anyway, thanks for your comment and info.  👵

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

How to stay safe when homeless?

[1] Go to a public place open twenty-four hours. For example, a police station, emergency room or 24-hour convenience store.

[2] Stay in a shelter at night; or at least sleep in public places so people will be around if attacked.

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

Free AARP Zoom Online Event for Members and Non-Members. Registration REQUIRED! [link at bottom of this post]

Thursday, May 16, 2024. From 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. CT.

60 minutes long.

How Homelessness Impacts Older Adults: A Conversation with Dr. Margot Kushel, MD.

Join nationally renowned expert Dr. Margot Kushel for a discussion about the impact of homelessness on California’s older adult population.

➡️*** About the Event: ***⬅️

It is estimated that about 40% of Santa Clara County homeless are older adults aged 55 or older. By 2030, an estimated 400,000 Santa Clara County residents will be 65 an older, making up for one-fifth of the population. Some have called the growing older adult homeless population locally and around California a “silver tsunami.”

Join AARP California for a conversation with Dr. Margot Kushel as we explore the data further, as well as the complex interactions between health and homelessness and potential solutions to prevent and address the issue. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions you may have. 

Margot Kushel, MD is a Professor of Medicine and Division Chief at the Division of Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center and Director of the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations and UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative .Dr. Kushel’s research focuses on reducing the burden of homelessness on health through examining efforts to prevent and end homelessness and mitigating the effects of housing instability on health care outcomes. She uses a variety of research methodologies with an aim towards informing the development of programs and policies to end homelessness via understanding the complex interactions between health and housing. She has a particular interest in homelessness in older adults and homelessness in medically complicated individuals.

How to Join:

Please note that you must be signed in to your AARP.org account or create an account to register for events. AARP membership is not required.

[REGISTRATION LINK BELOW]

https://local.aarp.org/aarp-event/how-homelessness-impacts-older-adults-a-conversation-with-dr-margo...

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏡 Number of homeless senior citizens on the rise in Florida (News 13)

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!

As baby boomers get older and inflation continues to rise, homes are becoming less and less affordable, and experts say that combination is leading to more senior citizens becoming homeless.

Nearly one in four homeless adults are over the age of 55.

Homelessness among seniors is estimated to triple by 2030.

Nearly a third of senior households are considered cost burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing.

https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2024/04/12/number-of-homeless-seniors-citizens-on-the-rise-

[GailL1]

@SpringIsHereSoHappy 

Can't you see the mistakes made by that couple that lost their home in Cocoa - 

For sure don't live in Florida if you can't get homeowners insurance to cover hurricanes - 

A mortgage (???) after the age of 70 is a bit crazy too then moving to a more expensive apartment ($1500) than what they had been paying for the Mortgage ( $ 700 )???  

Yes, there is a problem with not having enough affordable housing - but what is that if you are trying to live off just one's SS benefit check - ?

There are (2) of them right now so I assume they both get a SS benefit- so what happens when one of them dies and the other is left with the higher of the two benefits?  I see that happen often around here - 

I fell sorry for these folks - but not so much that they are "unsheltered" right now but because they don't even realize how they got to this place and now there is no time in their life to turn it around.

from the link ~

[wife] was having a hard time understanding how she and her husband ended up without a home, and said it feels like she's been abandoned by the government at all levels.

WHAT????  Why blame government (taxpayers)?  What happened to people planning their whole life for conditions that were bound to happen like getting old, maybe getting sick, no longer working, economic conditions which constantly are changing?  These aren't surprises.

Is that what the future holds for us?  I'm a senior too - in fact I'm older than those in this subject couple.  The ones that can will supply those that can't?

Sorry to be so blunt but we have to do something about people learning how to plan for themselves - for their future.  Afterall, isn't this just a big, giant individual math issue -

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

@GailL1 , what started everything was the Hurricane Damage to their house.  I feel they did the "best" they could in their circumstances.  Florida had a VERY ROUGH hurricane season. As far as rental prices, maybe that is all that was available. Living in their car at their age is sad.  👵

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

The homeless crisis in the making hits home for grandma and grandpa (Fox News)

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE! LINK AT BOTTOM OF THIS POST.

Contrary to popular opinion, many individuals do not become homeless solely due to financial difficulties, at least not immediately. Homelessness often occurs when individuals lack meaningful relationships.  

Family relationships serve as the primary safeguard against economic hardships. However, the breakdown in traditional family structures has resulted in the number of seniors living alone has recently risen both in absolute terms and as a percentage of the total population.

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/homeless-crisis-making-hits-home-grandma-grandpa

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

‌‌‌‌‌‌🏡‌‌‌‌‌‌  HAVE YOU EVER BEEN "HOMELESS" OR "HOMELESS" NOW?

My heart goes out to anyone who is Age 50+ and homeless [on the streets].

In July 2017 to August 2018, I would have been here in Virginia IF it was not for the AWESOME "Roanoke Rescue Mission"  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌THANK YOU!!!

[1] I was turning age 60 ▶️*** (66 this year 2024) ***◀️ and wanted to celebrate it in a place of my own.

[2] Job hours had been cut due to the economy at that time (lots of places closing in Manassas, Virginia).

[3] While staying there, I found another Income Source, saved $5,000.00 and was NEVER HOMELESS AGAIN.

*** Stuff happens and as WE AGE, we need to figure out our priorities [safe housing] ***

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

What is YOUR COMMUNITY doing to help the homeless?  🤔

I live in Cave Spring, Virginia (Roanoke County).

IF YOU ARE LIVING ON THE STREETS IN VIRGINIA, CALL THE ROANOKE RESCUE MISSION. THEY TAKE THE HOMELESS FROM OTHER CITIES IN VIRGINIA. ALOT OF PLACES DONOT.

From one-time gifts and monthly giving to planned gifts and critical in-kind donations, there are some great ways to give and make a difference. The services provided at the Rescue Mission wouldn’t be possible without our donors. Each successful move out, each graduate from the Way Forward Recovery Program is possible because of you. Look at our giving options and see how you can change a life today.

https://rescuemission.net/

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏡  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.

*** USE LINK AT BOTTOM OF THIS POST TO READ THIS ARTICLE *** [1] Then enter Email Address you used to sign in to use This Site.   [2] Then enter the password you use.   [3] Lastly, there are 3 LETTERS that will "pop up" as their SECURITY CHECK. Enter those.   [4] Then click log in.      

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

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

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

*** USE LINK AT BOTTOM OF THIS POST TO READ THIS ARTICLE *** [1] Then enter Email Address you used to sign in to use This Site.   [2] Then enter the password you use.   [3] Lastly, there are 3 LETTERS that will "pop up" as their SECURITY CHECK. Enter those.   [4] Then click log in.

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

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

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

*** USE LINK AT BOTTOM OF THIS POST TO READ THIS ARTICLE *** [1] Then enter Email Address you used to sign in to use This Site. [2] Then enter the password you use. [3] Lastly, there are 3 LETTERS that will "pop up" as their SECURITY CHECK. Enter those. [4] Then click log in.

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

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

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

*** USE LINK AT BOTTOM OF THIS POST TO READ THIS ARTICLE *** [1] Then enter Email Address you used to sign in to use This Site. [2] Then enter the password you use. [3] Lastly, there are 3 LETTERS that will "pop up" as their SECURITY CHECK. Enter those. [4] Then click log in.

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

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

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

*** USE LINK AT BOTTOM OF THIS POST TO READ THIS ARTICLE *** [1] Then enter Email Address you used to sign in to use This Site.   [2] Then enter the password you use.   [3] Lastly, there are 3 LETTERS that will "pop up" as their SECURITY CHECK. Enter those.   [4] Then click log in.

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

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏡  What Are the Four Types of Homelessness? (Comic Relief US)

Here is a breakdown of the four types of homelessness people face in the United States:

[1] Transitional Homelessness.

[2] Episodic Homelessness.

[3] Chronic Homelessness.

[4] Hidden Homelessness.

https://www.comicrelief.org/posts/what-are-the-four-types-of-homelessness

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

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

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

1 comment (4/1/24) Thank you for your comment @GailL1  👵

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[*** GAIL @GailL1 wrote:

All of the suggestions in the article were good - however  the longterm solutions need a lot of work.  

Like the post I made a few days ago on HUD’s Section 202 program - it isn’t working.  

With the housing shortage, there are few incentives for a landlord to accept a Section 8 voucher and in senior/disabled communities the waiting list is even longer for Section 8.  Plus getting more built in areas where seniors need them also isn;’t working - 

Read my post on Senior Housing on this Housing board at this location:

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Housing/Senior-Housing-Market-Subsidized-Section-8/td-p/2546929 

We need solutions - yes, but they aren’t easy to find.  The very best thing that one can do is prepare BEFORE you get in a situation where there are no good or feasible options.  ***]

[GailL1]

All of the suggestions in the article were good - however  the longterm solutions need a lot of work.  

Like the post I made a few days ago on HUD’s Section 202 program - it isn’t working.  

With the housing shortage, there are few incentives for a landlord to accept a Section 8 voucher and in senior/disabled communities the waiting list is even longer for Section 8.  Plus getting more built in areas where seniors need them also isn;’t working - 

Read my post on Senior Housing on this Housing board at this location:

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Housing/Senior-Housing-Market-Subsidized-Section-8/td-p/2546929 

We need solutions - yes, but they aren’t easy to find.  The very best thing that one can do is prepare BEFORE you get in a situation where there are no good or feasible options.  

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

1 comment (3/30/24) @GailL1 , thank you for your comment.  👵

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[*** GAIL @GailL1 wrote:

I.thought Vicki’s story was inspirational - but I don’t see this as an answer for those seniors who have had to leave work for whatever the reason.  They are just looking for a roof over their head that is easy on their pocketbook and safe and of course, convenient for their needs.

So maybe not so much the 50 year olds as it would be for those 62 or older.  At 50 we are still in our prime of life and for many 50 years old, years to go before we stop working. ***]

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[GailL1]

I.thought Vicki’s story was inspirational - but I don’t see this as an answer for those seniors who have had to leave work for whatever the reason.  They are just looking for a roof over their head that is easy on their pocketbook and safe and of course, convenient for their needs.

So maybe not so much the 50 year olds as it would be for those 62 or older.  At 50 we are still in our prime of life and for many 50 years old, years to go before we stop working.

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(Wednesday 3/13/24)

I had started this discussion in 2021 before deciding to leave AARP. Why?  🤔  Site had "died" AFTER they "shut down" their Political Forum in 2021.

NOW in 2024, I am seeing and reading about TOO MANY "old" folks being EVICTED because they can NO LONGER "afford" their rent or mortgage.

Gosh, at age 66 THIS YEAR, I make sure my "rent" is paid 1st as I so DO NOT want to end up homeless AGAIN.

Took the ONE TIME for me to find out - when we get OLD, there is NO HELP with housing...  😎

[Tempest332]

Plan ahead with a 401, not in your 50's but in your 20's, my IRA's & 401's dropped significantly in 2022 when a certain administrations policies started kicking in. 

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

11 comments (3/9/24) @Tempest332 , I grew up on BACKUPS = do not put ALL of your eggs in ONE basket. At age 66 THIS YEAR, I am "exploring" my optons JUST IN CASE my Medicare & Retirement Social Security goes bye-bye BEFORE I die. My daughter (only child) has OTHER options in place aside from her company's 401k. Hey, way too many SENIORS ended up on the streets when they had that huge "bust" several years ago. Cannot remember Company (I is old 🙄) but I was still working. The administrators left them penniless = no 401k funds. Some were already retired. Sad!!!  😎

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[*** @Tempest332 wrote:

Plan ahead with a 401, not in your 50's but in your 20's, my IRA's & 401's dropped significantly in 2022 when a certain administrations policies started kicking in. ***]

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[Tempest332]

I'm just saying, as they are letting 18+ join AARP, I know so many that have absolutely no savings or plans for retirement, & are in massive debt.  Yes, more than one basket, though something is better than nothing.  Stick with reputable funds. 

SSI, & Medicare aren't going anywhere soon no matter how reckless the government spends, but really can one live comfortably on just these government handouts?