What Is Gray Homelessness?

 

Gray Homelessness

Photo Credit: Africa Studio - stock.adobe.com

After a lifetime of hard work, scrimping and saving, one is entitled to a reasonable expectation of rest and recreation in their golden years. However, for many seniors, these expectations are out of reach. Indeed, a growing number of Americans ages 65 or older are experiencing homelessness for the first time. This blog post will discuss what gray homelessness is, why it is happening and what may be done to stem the proverbial “gray wave.” 

How Prevalent Is Gray Homelessness? 

According to the United States Government Accountability Office, more than 770,000 people experienced homelessness at some point during 2024 and, of that population, approximately 20 percent were older adults, i.e. ages 55 and up. By that math, approximately 156,000 older adults were homeless last year. Based on preliminary data, that number is rising. 

Why Are Americans Falling Into Gray Homelessness? 

While many of the instigating factors remain the same, older adults are at unique risk for lapsing into housing instability, due to the following reasons: 

  • Lower income: Many live on $20,000 or less a year or $1,000 or less a month. 
  • Declining health: As we age, we will experience more challenges to our health and enhanced susceptibility to disability. [1] 
  • The greater impact of disruptive life events: Divorce, the death of a spouse or the loss of housing tied to employment expedites the transition into homelessness, [2] particularly among older women. [3]
  • Limited, accessible housing stock: Only 4 percent of U.S. housing stock features accommodations older adults may need, [4] such as no-step entry, which raises prices among new properties as well as for those wishing to modify their homes. [5] 
  • A greater reliance on subsidized housing: Adults ages 62 and older account for over a third of residents in low-income housing tax credit units [6] and more than half of housing voucher recipient households are headed by an older adult. [7] 

How Can We Help Seniors From Becoming Homeless? 

As with what may be termed “normal homelessness,” prevention is key, as is the involvement of local, state and federal government. Unfortunately, influencing government is rather like turning the Titanic, but the consequences are costlier than the solutions. These solutions include: 

  • Increasing the supply of affordable, accessible housing 
  • Encouraging low-income housing tax allocations for older adults 
  • Investing in public housing, and 
  • Changing zoning laws 

All societies are judged by how they treat their most vulnerable populations. Thankfully, Mentor A Promise and its network of partner organizations serve no one but these groups. If you would like to step up or need a boost yourself, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Contact Mentor A Promise Today 

Our organization recognizes the immense potential within each individual and seeks to provide them with the educational resources and opportunities they need to thrive. To that end, we have built a strong network of family shelters, educational institutions and community organizations to support homeless children, youths and their families. Click these links to learn more about what we offer or to get involved. Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness. 

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