Just outside Salt Lake City, a two-story brick hotel has been transformed into the Medically Vulnerable People (MVP) shelter. This space offers a safe haven for older adults aged 62 and up, as well as younger individuals with chronic health conditions.
Unlike typical shelters, the MVP provides semi-private rooms equipped for those with mobility needs. Each room features a private bathroom, helping maintain the dignity of residents who might struggle with personal care.
Unfortunately, many homeless shelters don’t adequately accommodate older adults, particularly those over 65. According to researcher Dennis Culhane from the University of Pennsylvania, this age group is now the fastest-growing homeless population in the U.S. Many older individuals are experiencing homelessness for the first time, which presents unique challenges.
Life in traditional shelters can be tough for older adults. Issues like climbing into bunks or managing medications can be overwhelming. In some cases, staff may even ask older residents to leave if they can’t fully care for themselves.
The MVP shelter stands out by offering on-site medical care. Jamie Mangum, a resident suffering from lung cancer, found immediate help after an accident. Instead of facing long waits at other shelters, she received prompt care from an emergency medical technician right downstairs. “I wouldn’t have been able to get that quick help elsewhere,” she noted.
The MVP shelter has specialized staff to assist residents like Jamie who have complex health needs. “We have clients with memory care needs who may have been evicted due to conditions like dementia,” explained Baleigh Dellos, the shelter’s manager.
On-site medical staff includes EMTs and specialist case managers. Weekly visits from primary care doctors and therapists ensure that residents receive comprehensive care, including physical therapy.
The MVP collaborates with Fourth Street Clinic in Salt Lake City for medical services. Matt Haroldsen from the clinic pointed out that many new residents often need help with medication. When people live on the streets, they can easily lose or have their medications stolen.
Addressing these medical issues allows residents to focus on gaining essential documents like ID or Social Security numbers, vital for securing stable housing. Similar specialized shelters are emerging across states like Florida, California, and Arizona to meet the needs of older adults facing homelessness.
Caitlin Synovec from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council emphasized that addressing health care needs in shelters could be life-saving. In cold regions, older adults who struggle with mobility may face fatal consequences if turned away from shelters. A tragic case in 2022 highlighted this risk when an older man in Montana died after being denied shelter due to incontinence.
Creating accessible shelters is essential for keeping residents safe and healthy. These initiatives can also facilitate a smoother transition to permanent housing, as health issues often contribute to housing instability.
The MVP model has shown promising results, with more than 80% of its residents moving to stable housing within a year. In the first 11 months of 2025, the shelter successfully housed 36 older adults.
However, the demand remains high. Currently, around 200 people are on the waiting list for a room. The shelter prioritizes residents based on medical need rather than how long they’ve been on the list.
For individuals who do find a place at MVP, the experience can be transformative. Jeff Gregg, 62, credits the shelter’s medical services for helping him overcome an opioid addiction that stemmed from a back injury. Having a stable environment allowed him to focus on recovery and get the surgery he needed.
“I was finally able to relax and think about getting clean,” he said. With less pain, he hopes to secure a job and afford his own apartment in the future.
The MVP shelter illustrates how specialized programs can change lives for vulnerable populations. By prioritizing health care and creating supportive environments, we can help older adults regain their independence.
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