Mechy Polo Paez, 68, never envisioned her retirement would include living in a van. She and her husband, Orlando, both environmental activists, immigrated from Cuba to Miami in 1991. There, they ran a juice bar and produced radio and television programs. However, a recent $400 rent increase forced the couple into homelessness.
“I didn’t have money. Everything is going up. Everything,” Paez explained to CBS when asked how they ended up living in a van.
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Last November, the couple managed to secure housing through a local program, “Mia Casa,” that provides seniors with meals and temporary housing while they transition to permanent homes. But shortly after, Orlando died of a heart attack.
Paez, who is also battling pancreatic cancer, however, remains optimistic about her future settling into a new home.
Why are so many American seniors homeless?
Seniors like Mechy Polo Paez are the fastest-growing population of unhoused individuals, with nearly 138,098 individuals over the age of 55 experiencing homelessness on a given night in 2023, according to data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Based on estimates from academics, that number is expected to triple by 2030. What is causing this rise?
It’s a complex problem. Seniors tend to require more physical and mental care, which increases their costs. Lack of affordable housing and high rents are making finding an affordable place to live more challenging. The record rise in inflation paired with a fixed retirement income makes it increasingly difficult for seniors to adjust to rising costs.
Senior poverty rates are also on the rise. In 2022, the national poverty rate for people aged 65 and over was 10.9%. While lower than the national average, that’s an increase from the 10.3% senior poverty rate in 2021. This marks the second year in a row that this group’s poverty rates have increased.
Another cause is rising inflation. While Social Security benefits do increase with inflation, those increases lag by a year. This means that seniors may pay higher costs for a full year before their benefits increase.
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Support is available for lower-income seniors
In response to rising poverty rates, many resources are available to seniors struggling to cover rising costs. According to the New York Times, only half of eligible seniors have signed up for SNAP, which helps cover food costs. With an average benefit of $202, SNAP can help offset the rising cost of food.
Many states have energy programs to offset the cost of electricity, gas and water. In Ohio, for example, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps Ohioans of all ages cover rising electricity costs.
While many seniors know how to claim their Social Security benefits, they may not know about supplemental Social Security benefits, which provides financial assistance to seniors 65-plus who earn less than $1,971 per month.
Many seniors have Medicare for health insurance costs, but additional supplemental programs can help cover the costs of transportation, prescription drugs, caregivers and home modifications like ramps to help you stay in your home.
Additionally, many local programs, like the “Mia Casa” initiative that helped Mechy Polo Paez, are helping seniors find homes and happiness in their golden years.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Source Agencies
