October 10th is World Homeless Day: “The purpose of World Homeless Day is to draw attention to homeless people’s needs locally and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness, while taking advantage of the stage an ‘international day’ provides.” Read more here.
Homelessness is acute among the impoverished older population. A 2009 report from the National Coalition for the Homeless states:
“Increased homelessness among elderly persons is largely the result of poverty and the declining availability of affordable housing among certain segments of the aging. Throughout the nation, there are at least 9 seniors waiting for every occupied unit of affordable elderly housing (HEARTH, 2007).”
Clearly, more low-income housing for seniors is a necessity. EngAGE is gratified to be part of the solution to this pressing problem that will require even more attention as our population continues to age.
