As elder homelessness rises, health care organizations step in, revealing an alarming void in affordable housing solutions.

Story Overview

• Health care groups are forming partnerships to address elder homelessness.
• The number of homeless seniors is increasing, with nearly 150,000 affected.
• Housing inaccessibility and rising rents exacerbate the crisis.
• Urgent policy responses are needed to prevent further escalation.

Health Care Organizations Step Into the Breach

Health care organizations across the United States are stepping up to address the alarming increase in elder homelessness, a crisis exacerbated by a persistent lack of affordable housing. With 150,000 older adults currently experiencing homelessness, health care providers are forming innovative partnerships to prevent seniors from entering costly nursing homes. These efforts aim to provide stable housing options that enable older adults to maintain their independence and avoid emergency health care interventions.

This initiative is driven by the recognition that housing stability is a critical factor in health outcomes. By collaborating with housing agencies, health care providers hope to reduce hospital readmissions and long-term care costs. However, the situation remains dire as the demand for affordable housing far outpaces supply, highlighting the need for immediate and comprehensive policy responses.

NEW: Health care organizations know that for older patients to stay healthy, they need a place to live. @felicejfreyer reports on how some medical groups are getting creative to help seniors amid high housing costs. https://t.co/f8E4zucczf

— KFF Health News (@KFFHealthNews) August 18, 2025

The Growing Crisis of Elder Homelessness

The elder homelessness crisis has been steadily growing, driven by rising rents and inadequate affordable housing options. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reveals that nearly half of homeless adults aged 55 and older are unsheltered. This demographic is increasingly visible as the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness, with many driven to the streets by fixed incomes that cannot keep pace with escalating living costs.

Advocacy groups and health care providers emphasize the urgent need for policy reforms and expanded rental assistance to address this burgeoning crisis. With only about 32% of eligible older adults receiving federal rental assistance, there is a pressing need for targeted interventions that can provide immediate relief and long-term solutions.

Watch: Elder Homelessness Crisis: How Healthcare Groups Are Stepping Up to Help

Policy Responses and Future Implications

Despite the efforts of health care organizations and advocacy groups, the future remains uncertain without robust policy interventions. Projections indicate that elder homelessness could triple by 2030 if current trends continue. Such an outcome would not only strain public health systems but also increase the political and social pressure for comprehensive housing reforms.

As the debate continues in Washington and across state legislatures, health care organizations remain at the forefront, advocating for integrated approaches that combine housing, health care, and supportive services. Their efforts, bolstered by recent data and advocacy campaigns, aim to influence policy and secure the necessary resources to alleviate this crisis.

Sources:

LeadingAge
Urban Institute
Justice in Aging
HUD 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report
Urban Institute