New Data Shows Alarming Increase in Older Homeless Population
State housing officials are raising concerns over the growing number of older adults facing homelessness. Data from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development reveals a 77% increase in homelessness among adults aged 65 and older over the past six years. This surge highlights a troubling trend that housing experts are beginning to address more urgently.
A Rising Crisis in Maryland’s Homeless Shelters
James Roberts, the founder of Mission Possible in Baltimore, has seen firsthand the increasing numbers of older individuals seeking emergency housing. “It’s kind of been that way for a few years now,” said Roberts, who is 78. “We do what we can to help them and get them taken care of.”
This uptick in demand is part of a broader statewide trend, with Maryland’s older homeless population growing at a faster rate than other groups. In 2018, the state reported 677 individuals aged 65 and older experiencing homelessness. By 2024, that number had ballooned to 1,199.
While the older homeless demographic remains a smaller portion of the total homeless population, this rapid increase comes against the backdrop of an overall decline in homelessness in Maryland. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the state’s overall homeless population fell from 8,390 individuals in 2015 to 5,865 in 2023.
The Post-Pandemic Surge
The rise in older individuals experiencing homelessness is especially pronounced in the post-pandemic years. From 2022 to 2024, there was a 49% increase in homeless adults aged 65 and older. Danielle Meister, assistant secretary of homeless solutions at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, noted that the situation, while not yet at crisis levels, is something that must be closely monitored.
“Older adults are a unique demographic with specific needs,” said Meister. “The current housing system isn’t fully equipped to address these challenges, and we need to develop new solutions.”
This shift in homelessness among older adults is part of a larger trend. Maryland’s aging population is growing rapidly, with projections showing that by 2030, nearly 26% of the state’s population will be over 60 years old. As more people age, the strain on the housing system intensifies, and more seniors are left vulnerable.
Why Are More Older Adults Becoming Homeless?
Several factors contribute to this troubling rise in older homelessness. For one, the “silver tsunami” of an aging population means that the number of people aged 65 and older is on the rise. This demographic shift is coupled with economic pressures, especially rising rents.
Older adults on fixed incomes, such as Social Security or disability payments, struggle to keep up with escalating housing costs. “When the rent goes up, our demographic often has fewer options available,” said Isabella Shycoff, who oversees the housing division within the Department of Aging.
In addition to financial struggles, many older individuals face medical crises or a sudden loss of income that pushes them over the edge. Without the ability to recover from these financial setbacks, they may lose their homes.
A Gap in Available Housing Services
While older adults can access many of the same housing services available to younger populations, these programs are often not enough to address their long-term needs. “A lot of the assistance available is time-limited, often geared toward people who could eventually reenter the workforce or pay fair market rent,” explained Meister.
However, for people aged 65 and older, returning to work is often not an option. With 29% of this group already living with a disability, their income typically comes from limited sources, making it difficult to keep up with rising housing costs.
What older adults truly need is long-term support, such as income or rental subsidies that could help them live independently. However, programs like these are in short supply and not enough to meet the demand.
Solutions on the Horizon
To address the increasing homelessness among older adults, Maryland housing officials are exploring several new initiatives. One potential solution is to increase housing subsidy opportunities for those facing financial crises before they lose their homes. This proactive approach would aim to prevent homelessness rather than only address it after the fact.
Another option being discussed is co-housing programs, which would pair older adults with others to share housing costs. This could be a practical solution, particularly for seniors who may no longer be able to afford rent on their own.
Additionally, state officials are considering expanding shelters to better meet the needs of older individuals, particularly those who require additional medical or personal care. Specialized facilities could help older adults maintain their independence while also providing the support they need to avoid homelessness.
Moving Forward: A Call for Action
As Maryland’s housing crisis deepens, it’s clear that older adults are becoming a vulnerable group in need of immediate attention. The sharp rise in homelessness among those aged 65 and older should serve as a wake-up call to lawmakers, housing authorities, and other stakeholders. Without more targeted solutions, this trend will likely continue, leaving even more seniors without a stable home.
For now, officials are keeping a close eye on the situation, understanding that swift action is essential to mitigate what could become an even bigger problem in the years to come.
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