Tom Murphy
RedwoodAge.com

Hard economic times are forcing many older Americans into the streets, according to a first-of-its-kind survey in Los Angeles that found people over 62 make up one of the fastest-growing homeless populations.

The study estimated up to 4,000 older residents are homeless in the Los Angeles area on any given night and that 62 percent of them suffer from a disability, according to Shelter Partnership Inc., a nonprofit group that has been working with the homeless for 13 years.

"Sadly, homelessness among older adults is a growing problem as the population of baby boomers ages," said Nan Roman, president of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Because this is the first study ever to look at homeless elders in a local area, Roman said the findings "can be applied not only in L.A., but nationally as well."

The study found almost four in 10 of the homeless had graduated from high school and that 24 percent went on to college. Yet, more than half live on the street or try to find a bed in shelters. About 72 percent of them are black or Hispanic, two-thirds are men and more than a quarter are veterans.

At least half suffered from dental problems, eye problems, high blood pressure and/or arthritis. Forty percent had back problems or other pain; 30 percent had diabetes or heart problems; and one in five was a victim of depression or stroke, according to the study.

Poverty Looms
Poverty is rapidly emerging as the greatest problem associated with aging in America, particularly as 78 million baby boomers head into their retirement years without sufficient financial resources. Long live spans may also contribute to increased levels of poverty, particularly as conservative leaders push for spending cuts in social programs like Medicare.

Another recent study showed the federal poverty line far below the actual minimal cost of living, leaving many elderly Americans with too little income to get by, but too much to qualify for the very programs designed to help them.

Shelter Partnership drew three conclusions. First, there is a lack of focus on the problems of older adults. Second, homeless elders have unique needs. Third, there is a need for permanent homes for these people.

'Supporting' Housing
"The solution to their homelessness is the development and greater access to permanent supportive housing that is affordable," said Ruth Schwartz, executive director of the group, which works with the private and public sectors to address the homeless problem.

The group recommended creating a housing development corporation to develop suitable housing, linking service providers with housing administrators, and initiating a pilot program to target homeless elders.

"This groundbreaking study is crucial to helping us get seniors off the streets and into housing where they can receive the support and services they need," said City Council President Eric Garcetti.