The Emerging Crisis of Aged Homelessness Abstract

A recent multi-site study in LA County, NYC, and Boston has projected a near tripling in the elderly homelessness population in the next decade. Based on historic utilization rates, health care and nursing home costs will increase significantly. The research team segmented the projected aged population into groups based on their health and homelessness status. Housing models were also matched to these groups, and the costs of the housing solutions were estimated. Based on exiting literature, cost offsets associated with housing placement were also projected. The results indicate that the housing solutions can be offset by reduced shelter, hospital, and nursing home use with even some modest savings projected. The implications for various stakeholders are considered.