This is the 35th in a series of columns written by staff from The Lighthouse to help the community better understand people experiencing homelessness and those who support them. This column appears every other Monday.
Who do you picture when you hear about someone experiencing homelessness? Is it someone who is middle-aged and “rough around the edges?” Is it a youth who is couch surfing and maybe also rebellious?
For many, the typical image of someone experiencing homelessness may not include seniors. However, at The Lighthouse, we see first-hand that the reality is much more diverse.
Many of the individuals we serve are seniors, highlighting that homelessness affects people from all age groups and backgrounds. This demographic diversity underscores the need for specific support and solutions that address the distinct needs of older adults who face homelessness. Understanding and addressing the unique challenges seniors face in this situation is crucial for providing effective and compassionate assistance.
Society typically defines a senior as age 65-plus. In the homelessness sector, however, a senior is generally defined as being 55 or older. Some recent definitions have reduced this to age 50. We recognize experiencing homelessness can significantly impact an individual’s well-being. People who face homelessness often encounter more severe physical and mental health challenges at a younger age than might be expected.
From January to August 2024, 23 per cent of the individuals The Lighthouse served in the emergency shelter and supportive housing programs were seniors aged 55-plus. This total includes 53 individuals aged 55-plus who have accessed our emergency shelter, making up 21 per cent of the individuals who access these services. In The Lighthouse’s supportive housing, 12 of the individuals who have accessed this program so far in 2024 have been aged 55-plus, making up 52 per cent.
Many seniors who find themselves experiencing homelessness have lived economically stable, fulfilling lives until a significant change or series of events disrupts their stability. Factors such as the loss of a spouse, retirement without adequate savings, medical emergencies, or family estrangement can all contribute to a sudden shift into homelessness.
This transition is often particularly traumatic for seniors because it comes after years of contributing to society and managing their lives. The emotional and psychological impact of losing one’s home later in life can be profound, adding layers of distress to the practical challenges they face. Understanding these circumstances is essential for developing effective support systems that not only provide immediate relief but also address the underlying issues that led to their homelessness.
Imagine the following situations.
A senior couple is living in an apartment. Their fixed income comes from Old Age Security and the Canadian Pension Plan. Sadly, one of them dies. The remaining spouse, a 71-year-old woman, now finds herself with significantly less income and can no longer afford her rent. She doesn’t have close friends in the area and, due to past conflicts, has no family support. With nowhere else to turn, she comes to The Lighthouse seeking shelter.
An elderly man has been living with his daughter and her family. Their house is small, and there isn’t enough space for him to be in the home. His history has left him with a poor credit score, and he’s unable to find a place to rent. He’s been staying in an uninsulated shed on their property, but with winter arriving, it’s too cold to continue in that living situation. He’s already been accessing The Lighthouse’s bagged lunch program, and trust has been built with The Lighthouse. He decides to access the emergency shelter as he continues his search for housing.
Another elderly woman accessing emergency shelter is dealing with significant health challenges. She had an apartment on the third floor of a building without an elevator, and after breaking her hip and spending some time in the hospital, the unit was no longer accessible for her because she could not climb the stairs. Organizations like The Lighthouse play a critical role in providing immediate relief as well as in advocating for long-term solutions that address both housing and accessibility needs for seniors facing similar challenges.
These are just a few of the diverse situations that cause seniors to experience homelessness. The support required for an aging homeless population involves addressing specific needs that may differ from those of younger individuals. These needs often include:
- Accessible housing: Housing solutions must be accessible and suitable for individuals with mobility issues or other age-related challenges. This may involve adapting existing housing or creating new, age-friendly options.
- Healthcare access: Seniors experiencing homelessness often face chronic health conditions and require regular medical care. Access to healthcare services and medical support is crucial.
- Financial assistance: Many seniors are on fixed incomes, making financial assistance or subsidized housing options essential for managing living expenses.
- Social support: Older adults may face isolation and loneliness. Social services and community support programs can help address mental health needs and provide companionship.
- Legal and advocacy services: Assistance with navigating legal issues, securing benefits, and advocating for rights can be important for seniors facing homelessness.
Creativity is required to support an aging population related to their housing needs. In order to prevent seniors from becoming unhoused, Lakehead University and Georgian College have recently joined SpacesShared, a home-sharing platform that connects students in need of safe and affordable housing with older adults and individuals in the community who have a room to rent out. While this benefits students, it may also allow seniors to remain in their homes by providing them with some additional income. You can read about this initiative here.
Collaborating with all levels of government, other organizations, and community partners like The Lighthouse, we are committed to exploring innovative solutions and adapting our approaches to effectively meet the diverse needs of our aging homeless population. Together, we can work toward creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals in our community.
Linda Goodall is the executive director at The Lighthouse and can be reached at [email protected].
Rosemary Petersen is the managing director at The Lighthouse and can be reached at [email protected].
