Frequently Asked Questions
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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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