Emergency Housing Guide
From: www.payingforseniorcare.com
An estimated half-million people were homeless in the United States from 2007 through 2020, and many of these individuals were seniors and veterans. Unfortunately, seniors who live on the street have little access to resources that can help them maintain their mental and physical health, and on top of that, many are living without the support of their loved ones.
Homeless seniors face more risks than those who reside at home or in long-term care facilities. In fact, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless, the estimated average life expectancy for homeless people is just 50 years, which gives little hope to seniors who don’t have a place to call home.
Thankfully, there are programs available throughout the country to help homeless seniors find stable housing and meet other basic needs. Below, we provide information about these programs and how to find help.
What Is Emergency Housing and How Can Seniors Find It?
There are several options when it comes to emergency housing. While some programs provide emergency cash to help those facing eviction or homelessness to pay rent and utilities, others offer shelter to those who are already without a safe place to stay.
Seniors can usually find emergency housing by contacting their city’s government offices, local social services departments, hospitals and churches for help.
Federal Programs That Provide Emergency Housing For Seniors
2-1-1 helps seniors and others in need connect with urgent resources via United Way. By dialing 2-1-1, seniors can access local shelters, transitional housing and programs that can provide food, mental health support or health care services.
Each program that 2-1-1 refers callers to may have subject specific application and eligibility requirements.
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides housing choice vouchers (HCV) for at-risk families, individuals and elderly persons who are unable to afford housing. Those who participate in the HCV program can access lower-cost, subsidized housing, with a portion of rent being paid by the government directly to their landlord.
How to Apply
Public housing agencies (PHA) can help seniors complete their HVC program applications. When applying, seniors will need to have information about their assets, family income and household members. In some cases, there may be a waiting list to access the program.
Eligibility
Each PHA determines the HVC eligibility guidelines in its state. Federal law requires that 75% of HVCs are provided to those whose household incomes are below 30% of the area median.
Section 202 Supportive Housing For the Elderly
Administered by HUD, the Supporting Housing for the Elderly program is meant to help low-income seniors access affordable housing, along with services to help them live independently, even with minor physical or cognitive impairments. This program also provides services such as cleaning, meals and transportation.
How to Apply
Once seniors have found an available Section 202 house, they can apply for this program directly with the property manager. The application requires information such as the applicant’s name, date of birth, Social Security number, housing history and criminal history.
Eligibility
This program is open to seniors aged 62 and older who meet their area’s low-income threshold.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
The HUD-VASH program provides HCVs for homeless veterans. The program is provided by HUD with the assistance of Veteran Affairs. It can provide housing, mental and physical healthcare services, and substance abuse counseling.
How to Apply
Seniors who are also veterans can apply for HUD-VASH by contacting Veterans Affairs online, in-person or by telephone at (877) 424-3838.
Eligibility
HUD-VASH is open to low-income seniors who have served in the U.S. military.
The U.S Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) administers the Enhanced-Use Lease program, which helps homeless veterans access safe housing. This program works with state and local governments to buy unoccupied properties and transform them into shelters and transitional homes.
How to Apply
Homeless senior veterans who need housing can learn more by calling (877) 424-3838 to connect with their local VA office.
Eligibility
All homeless U.S. veterans can apply for this program.
