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]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌👋‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌  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]

‌‌💡‌‌  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)

[GailL1]

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@Winter2024 wrote:

‌‌💡‌‌  WHY I CARE!!!

It took me being homeless July 2017 to August 2018 to care. Up to that season in my life, . . . . .in my 50's .. . . .  Yes, had to use my 401k in 2008 to pay off my brand new car. 

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  If less than 59.5 years old, didn’t that move cost you in taxes (ordinary income taxes) and with an added 10% penalty for early withdrawal?

IRS.gov 401K Resource Guide 

[Winter2024]

THIS IS GOOD NEWS!!!

🇺🇸  Homelessness among veterans drops to record low levels (Military Times)

By Leo Shane III. Published Nov 11, 2024.

The number of homeless veterans in America dropped to its lowest level on record this year, down more than 55% over the last 14 years, according to data released by the Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday.

The improvement comes after three years of aggressive efforts by department leaders to quickly find permanent housing for veterans facing economic hardship and mental health challenges. Officials announced earlier this fall they had helped place nearly 48,000 veterans in stable housing in fiscal 2024 alone, and more than 133,000 over the last three years.

https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2024/11/11/homelessness-among-veterans-drops-to-record-low-le...

[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]

‌💼‌  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]

🌍   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]

@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]

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@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)

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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]

♻️♻️♻️  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)

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[*** 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?

[Winter2024]

♻️  Anyone living in AUSTIN? I am SO GLAD to read that PETS are allowed in this community. So many of us old folks need our furbabies to give us a reason to get up each day. Mister  🐈  is my darling boy.

👍  A Place to Call Home – Pecan Gardens Opens Community for SENIORS Exiting HOMELESSNESS in Austin (AustinTexas.gov)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Release Date: THURSDAY Oct. 17, 2024.

AUSTIN, TX—The City of Austin Housing Department celebrates a new residence, Pecan Gardens (formerly the Candlewood Suites Hotel), a new permanent supportive housing community for seniors 55+ exiting homelessness. Located in District 6 at 10813 Pecan Park Boulevard, renovations began in May 2023 to transform the hotel into 78 furnished studio apartments. Residents have access to housing stability services, including case management, health assessments, living skills coordination, and community-building activities, as well as assistance with basic needs like food through an onsite food pantry. Tenants will not pay more than 30% of their income on rent, and all utilities are covered. Residents are also welcome to have pets.

https://www.austintexas.gov/news/place-call-home-pecan-gardens-opens-community-seniors-exiting-homel...

[Winter2024]

♻️  Anyone living in ALASKA? I think this is awesome this community CARES about their Senior Citizens!!! Maybe OTHER communities will follow their example.

👍  Anchorage tiny house village for HOMELESS SENIORS aims to open within weeks (Alaska News Source)

📸  Video with article.  📸

Published: WEDNESDAY Oct. 23, 2024 at 9:28 PM EDT.

“There's no federal money, no municipal money at this point. It's all been from donations from $10 on up to $100,000,” Greene-Graham said, noting a particularly large donation from the Rasmuson Foundation that helped with the expense of the electrical work.

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/video/2024/10/24/anchorage-tiny-house-village-homeless-seniors-aim...

[Winter2024]

♻️  Yes, good point @Tempest332 , Nicole

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[*** TEMPEST wrote: Maybe we should be addressing this first, instead of letting in the unvetted to add to this problem?

Just a thought. ***]

[Tempest332]

Maybe we should be addressing this first, instead of letting in the unvetted to add to this problem?

Just a thought. 

[Winter2024]

‌‌👴‌‌‌‌🏡‌‌‌‌👵‌‌  HOMELESS OR BEING EVICTED.

Are YOU age 50 or OLDER and NOW homeless or being EVICTED?

I am ALWAYS here for YOU!!!

As a FORMERLY (NEVER been AGAIN) homeless at age 59 in 2017, I can HELP you.

NEVER GIVE UP AND NEVER FEEL ASHAMED my friends.

Stuff happens to ALL of us.

Nicole  ‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌🤗  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)‌‌

[DianeF205850]

We've been existing for almost 5 years. It's about over now.  to top it all off i'll be homeless and expire exactly where I don't want to be. We were trying so hard to just at least make it "home". But it wasn't to be.

[Winter2024]

Dear Diane @DianeF205850 , I was hoping you would stop by again. You are in my thoughts TODAY. What HELP are you NEEDING?

Luv,

Nicole  🤗🤗🤗  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)

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[*** DIANE wrote: We've been existing for almost 5 years. It's about over now.  to top it all off i'll be homeless and expire exactly where I don't want to be. We were trying so hard to just at least make it "home". But it wasn't to be. ***]

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[Winter2024]

Dear Diane @DianeF205850 , thank you for stopping by.

I am so sorry for your difficulties.  😭😭😭

What HELP are YOU NEEDING dear friend?

Luv,

Nicole  🤗🤗🤗  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)

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[*** DIANE wrote: We've been existing for almost 5 years. It's about over now.  to top it all off i'll be homeless and expire exactly where I don't want to be. We were trying so hard to just at least make it "home". But it wasn't to be. ***]

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[DianeF205850]

 Hello Nicole. Thank you but there doesn't;t seem to be any help for us. I really am just so tired. 

  Love, Diane

[Winter2024]

Dear Diane @DianeF205850 , my thoughts are with you. Hoping you are SAFE and able to get some REST!!!

Luv,

Nicole  🤗🤗🤗  (Age 50+ Homeless Forum)

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[*** DIANE wrote: Hello Nicole. Thank you but there doesn't;t seem to be any help for us. I really am just so tired. 

  Love, Diane ***]

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[Winter2024]

[Poster has deleted their comment]

[GailL1]

@Winter2024 quoted from the link:   The rising costs of homeowners association (HOA) fees and home insurance is weighing so heavily on the Sunshine State's retirees that many risk becoming homeless, a South Florida realtor has told Newsweek.

===============================

Couldn’t one say the same thing about property taxes?  If those who are finding the cost unreachable, they could sell and move somewhere else more affordable - but if they sell for a really good or great price - then that in turn affects the property taxes of those who have remained.  That’s one of the way tax assessors set a property value for taxes - they use current sales as a basis.  This is even more common when in a condo unit where the homes are very similar to each other.  

When cost rise because of new regs, increased cost of regular maintenance or repairs, or property taxes, all of which the homeowners are responsible, how could it be any other way?

If the condo unit is rented out then the increase in these things - HOA fees / insurance / taxes - the cost is just passed along to the renters.  Again, how could this be any other way?

The cost of homeownership or rent does NOT end just because one might get older or is living on a limited income.  One has to prepare for such increases or change (move) to something that is affordable. 

Who should pay for these new regs, laws, all HOA covered items in a dwelling that is shared with others?  Living in a condo is really exposed to this sort of things because the owners share in so many things - 

[Winter2024]

Allen @Therapist4u until SOME people EXPERIENCE being homeless in THEIR OLD AGE, they will NEVER have compassion for the homeless. Thanks for stopping by my friend!!! 🤗🤗🤗

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[*** ALLEN wrote: YES,.....

.....have some compassion.....

THANKS FOR THAT NICOLE ....

AND THANKS FOR THAT Laura @LaurajW510385

.>>>> THE REALITY IS >>>>some are homeless due to natural causes; fires, floods, hurricanes, tornados, abuse, forced out, thrown out, some are runaways from home....its always the worse to assume everyone is an addict, alcoholic, or whatever.....

Stay safe....&...Take care!

☮️  🌩🌦~Allen

🌈  ⛵  🌞 ***]

[Therapist4u]

YES,.....

.....have some compassion.....

THANKS FOR THAT NICOLE ....

AND THANKS FOR THAT Laura @LaurajW510385

.>>>> THE REALITY IS >>>>some are homeless due to natural causes; fires, floods, hurricanes, tornados, abuse, forced out, thrown out, some are runaways from home....its always the worse to assume everyone is an addict, alcoholic, or whatever.....

Stay safe....&...Take care!

☮️  🌩🌦~Allen

🌈  ⛵  🌞

[LaurajW510385]

some are homeless due to natural causes; fires, floods, hurricanes, tornados, abuse, forced out, thrown out, some are runaways from home....its always the worse to assume everyone is an addict, alcoholic, or whatever your tiny puney little mindful thoughts can assume.

Stay Healthy!!!

[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. 

[Winter2024]

@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!!!

Nicole  👵

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[*** TEMPEST 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?