Combatting the National Crisis: How Health Care Groups Are Fighting Elder Homelessness

Elder Housing Challenges: Finding Stability for Seniors

At 82, Roberta Rabinovitz faced a harsh reality: she had nowhere to call home. After losing her daughters to cancer and caring for them until the end, she found herself moving between relatives. Eventually, she landed on her grandson’s couch in Rhode Island. With stairs to navigate and rising apartment rents, her situation felt precarious—many older adults find themselves in a similar plight today.

Fortunately, Rabinovitz found support from the PACE Organization of Rhode Island. PACE, which stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is a nonprofit that assists frail seniors. Traditionally focused on healthcare, these organizations are now stepping into housing roles to ensure seniors have secure living situations.

Rising housing costs make this task essential. Recent data shows that, as of 2024, one in five homeless individuals in the U.S. is aged 55 or older. According to a report from the Government Accountability Office, the homeless population among older adults has grown by 6% in just one year. Dennis Culhane, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, points out that the number of men over 60 living in shelters tripled from 2000 to 2020. He noted, “It’s a national scandal that the richest country in the world has destitute elderly and disabled people.”

Older adults are often one crisis away from losing their homes—whether it’s the death of a loved one, job loss, or health issues. Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging, emphasizes that even those who’ve paid off their homes can struggle with rising taxes and upkeep.

The situation is compounded by federal cuts to Medicaid under recent budget laws, making it even harder for low-income older adults to maintain their health and housing. Yolanda Stevens from the National Alliance to End Homelessness warns that this creates a “perfect storm” for America’s seniors.

In response to these growing challenges, PACE organizations are expanding their roles. For instance, PACE Southeast Michigan works with local housing providers to ensure affordable rents while offering supportive services to seniors. This partnership model helps keep older adults in stable living conditions. Plans are even underway to build housing specifically tailored for seniors.

In Rhode Island, where PACE serves close to 500 people, the shift toward housing support reflects an urgent need. The organization has started securing apartments in assisted living facilities to provide a cushion for participants facing homelessness. Ravinovitz now enjoys her new studio apartment, a significant improvement from her previous couch-surfing situation.

Programs like PACE offer comprehensive care, extending from healthcare services to housing support, which includes assistance with everyday tasks like bill payments. For those like Rabinovitz, PACE means more than just a roof over their heads; it represents a caring community that meets their varied needs.

As this issue continues to escalate, experts stress the importance of expanding support systems for older adults. The collaboration between healthcare and housing sectors could play a crucial role in ensuring that the aging population remains healthy and housed.

In the end, the fight for housing stability for seniors is not just about structures; it’s about dignity and care in one’s later years—a vital need that must be addressed for a healthier, more secure future.

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