Resources & FAQs
Helpful Links
Frequently Asked Questions
- How are program services funded?
- How are program funds allocated?
- How do older people become homeless?
- How many older people are homeless in Boston?
- What are some of the solutions to the problem of elderly homelessness?
- How can I help?
1. How are program services funded?
For calendar year 2004, 64% of services are supported by funds from the U.S Department of HUD and the U. S. Department of Health and Humans Services, Older Americans Act through contracts administered by the City of Boston.
21% by financial support from Boston Medical Center
10% by contributions from individual donors and special events
3% by administrative fees paid by clients
2% by grants from foundations
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2. How are program funds allocated?
77% are spent on direct services to clients
21% are spent on shelter for clients
2% are spent on program operations
1% are spent on administrative overhead
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3. How do older people become homeless?
ELAHP recently participated in a three-country study of the causes and contributing factors for elder homelessness. The Boston results of the study showed that race, income level and health issues are all factors in predicting homelessness for older adults. Other key factors are social isolation and willingness to seek help. According to the study, a "typical" homeless older adult is an African-American man who in spite of numerous, chronic health concerns is able to work steadily at a low-wage job. When his health worsens to the point that he is unable to work, he loses his income. He becomes homeless because he doesn't have an informal support network and is reluctant to ask for help.
In other cases, individuals might become homeless at a younger age, but are unable to overcome the barriers that led to their housing crises. Often, these people are struggling with chronic, debilitating illnesses such as depression, addiction to drugs and/or alcohol, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. In fact, these illnesses are often linked, and a chronically homeless person is likely to be suffering from more than one of these disorders. They age on the streets or in the shelters, and then must also contend with age-related disabilities such as decreased mobility or sight or hearing impairments.
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4. How many older people are homeless in Boston?
The 2007 census counted 6,636 men, women and children who were homeless in Boston, an increase of 4% over the previous year.
The number of unsheltered people living on the street increased by 17% from 261 to 306.
In the past decade, Boston’s homeless population increased by 36% from 4,896 in 1996-1997 to 6,636 in 2006-2007.
*These statistics are from the City of Boston's Annual Homeless Census.
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5. What are some of the solutions to the problem of elderly homelessness?
One of the most important responses to this crisis is to increase the number of affordable housing units available to very low-income people. In the 1980's, the U. S. government slowed production of affordable units to a near standstill, and as a nation we still have not recovered from these policy changes. With the "baby-boomers" aging into their retirement years, the demand for low-cost housing for seniors is expected to increase very dramatically.
A second response is to augment programs and services that prevent older people from becoming homeless. This is the least expensive, most desirable answer to the problem and has been demonstrated to be effective with pilot projects such as the Boston Tenancy Preservation Program. In addition to increasing services, efforts must be made to educate elderly people and those who care for them about the resources available to help them maintain their housing and their independence in the community.
Finally, for those elders who have already fallen into homelessness, targeted, specialized services need to be developed and maintain. Studies have repeatedly shown the benefits of having services exclusively for older homeless people who tend to be reluctant to use services for homeless people of all ages and reluctant to make their needs known but respond positively to help when services target their age group.
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6. How can I help?
Financial contributions in any amount are welcome and very much appreciated.
Make a donation. (https://development.bmc.org/donate)
Please designate: Elders Living at Home Program.
Volunteers are needed for telephone follow-up with clients, friendly visiting and assistance with bill-paying, to serve on the Steering Committee, to help with cleaning temporary apartments and moving furniture, to work on fundraising and other special events.
Donate gently used furniture and other household items, especially bed and bath linens, pillows and lamps.
Church and other groups can organize fundraisers or other community events.
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