Aging and Homeless Service Providers Build Partnerships to Address Housing Instability Among Older Adults

Renee Hayes, a 67-year-old woman, found herself homeless again after a decade of relative stability. Despite working part-time in gig jobs, she struggled to afford rent in Oakland, California, one of the nation’s most expensive metropolitan areas. Without a retirement pension or Social Security, Hayes relied on a stipend from her work as a foster parent, which didn’t cover her living expenses. She turned to St. Mary’s Center, a local community center that provides transitional housing and support services for seniors at risk of homelessness.

St. Mary’s Center has seen an increasing number of older adults seeking assistance, reflecting a broader trend across the country. Adults aged 50 and older now make up half of the homeless population, and they are the fastest-growing demographic experiencing homelessness. By 2030, their numbers are expected to triple. This growing crisis has prompted aging and homelessness service providers to build partnerships, bridging the gap between two systems that have long operated separately.

Sharon Cornu, executive director of St. Mary’s Center, notes that while every person who becomes unhoused has unique circumstances, poverty and high housing costs are the primary factors driving homelessness among seniors. St. Mary’s has served the West Oakland community for over 30 years and has acted as a rare meeting point between aging and homelessness services. This collaboration has been crucial in helping individuals like Hayes access the support they need.

Hayes’s experience highlights the challenges faced by older adults who lack traditional retirement income. Many rely on part-time work or community support to stay afloat, but rising housing costs often push them into homelessness. St. Mary’s Center provides transitional housing, counseling, and other services to help seniors regain stability. For Hayes, this support allowed her to rebuild her life, though the process took longer than she anticipated.

The intersection of aging and homelessness services is gaining attention as the need for integrated care grows. Organizations like St. Mary’s Center are working to create systems that address the unique needs of older adults while also supporting broader efforts to combat homelessness. This collaboration reflects a growing recognition that the challenges of aging and homelessness are deeply intertwined.

Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the vulnerable. In the case of older adults facing homelessness, this call to action is urgent. As communities seek to address housing insecurity, they must also consider the specific needs of aging populations, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of stability and dignity.

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