This article was originally produced by Capital & Main, a nonprofit journalism publication, and is republished with permission.
When I first encountered Joanne Marie Erickson, she had not stepped out of her apartment in weeks. Sitting on her worn-out couch, surrounded by the clutter of her living space, she appeared both overwhelmed and isolated. Her only companion was Muriel, her beloved cat. Days away from eviction after 23 years in her home, Joanne confided, “I think I’m falling apart.”
Despite my hope that bringing attention to her plight would help her secure stable housing, she faced persistent obstacles: long waiting lists, broken promises, and dead-end leads. In February, Joanne was evicted. By May, she passed away, homeless and just days shy of her 71st birthday. Her story underscores the dire challenges aging Americans face, particularly those who lack a financial safety net.
The Plight of Aging Americans
Joanne’s experience is emblematic of a growing crisis among seniors. Many older Americans, particularly those relying solely on Social Security benefits, struggle to survive in high-cost cities like Los Angeles. Social Security, though essential, often falls short of covering basic expenses such as housing, healthcare, and food.
In cities across the United States—from New York to Seattle and Houston—seniors are increasingly at risk of eviction and homelessness. According to data, the population of older adults in the U.S. is projected to rise from 54 million in 2019 to over 94 million by 2060, with many already unable to afford their basic needs.
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Seniors experiencing homelessness | Over 2 million in California alone |
| Projected senior population (2060) | Over 94 million in the U.S. |
| Food insecurity among seniors | 50% of NYC’s aging population faced it last year |
A Life Unraveling
Joanne’s struggles began long before her eviction. In her mid-60s, she left her job as an occupational therapist due to physical ailments stemming from post-polio syndrome, a condition that weakens muscles and joints. Depression and declining health compounded her problems, leaving her unable to maintain her home or seek effective support.
By January, Joanne was in a Santa Monica courtroom, facing eviction without legal representation. She owed $11,613 in back rent, a sum her monthly Social Security check of $1,799 couldn’t cover.
The Emotional Toll of Homelessness
Like many unhoused individuals, Joanne’s challenges were multifaceted. Her apartment, filled with unused items and clutter, reflected her physical and emotional state. Estranged from her family and without a support system, she found herself isolated. Despite her personal struggles, Joanne remained deeply attached to her cat Muriel, whose name symbolized “bright sea.”
Her situation highlights the complexity of homelessness among seniors, many of whom face a combination of economic hardship, health issues, and social isolation.
Fighting Against the Odds
Joanne’s decline mirrored the growing crisis of homelessness among older adults. In California, individuals over 55 represent the fastest-growing demographic among the unhoused. Without sufficient resources or interventions to prevent homelessness, seniors like Joanne often fall through the cracks.
Patti Prunhuber, a housing advocate at Justice in Aging, notes that systemic inaction exacerbates the problem. “Inaction will result in a growing number of older adults facing housing instability and homelessness,” she warned.
A Glimpse of Hope: Advocacy and Support
Joanne’s story took a turn when Naomi Waka, an advocate with a reputation for empathy and persistence, stepped in to help. Despite her efforts, finding suitable housing proved nearly impossible due to limited availability and stringent requirements. Waka described the recurring disappointments as “heartbreaking.”
In a poignant twist, Joanne was informed of housing opportunities only after her passing. For instance, a new senior housing complex in Glendale, offering studios for as low as $485 per month, selected Joanne through a lottery system two months after her death.
The Cost of Inaction
The consequences of eviction and homelessness are severe. Research from the Eviction Lab indicates that being evicted increases the risk of mortality by 40%. Joanne’s death certificate listed cardiovascular disease as the cause, but her friends and advocates believe the eviction and homelessness were contributing factors.
Systemic Barriers and Limited Solutions
While Los Angeles has made efforts to address homelessness, many programs focus on helping those already unhoused rather than preventing evictions. In 2023, only 3% of funding from Measure H, a sales tax initiative, was allocated to eviction prevention.
New initiatives, such as Measure A, aim to increase funding for eviction defense and rental assistance. Advocates like Waka believe more creative solutions, such as direct housing grants or basic income programs, could prevent cases like Joanne’s. A pilot program in Vancouver and another in Denver have shown promise in this regard.
Joanne’s journey is a sobering reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms to address the challenges facing aging Americans. Her story, though tragic, sheds light on the resilience of individuals and the importance of community support in combating homelessness.
FAQs
Why are seniors particularly vulnerable to homelessness?
Seniors often rely on fixed incomes, such as Social Security, which may not cover rising housing and healthcare costs. Physical and mental health challenges further exacerbate their vulnerability.
How does eviction impact health?
Eviction significantly increases stress and health risks, including cardiovascular issues. Studies show that eviction raises the risk of death by 40%.
What initiatives exist to prevent senior homelessness?
Programs like Measure H and Measure A in Los Angeles provide funding for rental assistance and eviction prevention. Basic income pilot programs in cities like Denver also show promise.
