Give me shelter 

Glenn Harper

Gloria Towne | All Around Towne Photography

Older adults (ages 55 and up) represent one of every five people experiencing homelessness in the United States, accounting for over 145,000 individuals.

Adults ages 50 and older are the fastest-growing demographic among the unhoused, making up nearly half of single-adult households. 

Being unhoused ages a person by 10 to 20 years beyond their chronological age. This prolonged stress results in a life expectancy of roughly 48 to 50 years, which is 15 to 20 years shorter than the general population. 

Experiencing homelessness takes a heavy physical toll, meaning an unhoused person in their 50s will often display the geriatric difficulties of a housed person in their 70s or 80s. This is driven by constant exposure to the elements, chronic stress, malnutrition, and a lack of access to medical care. 

About 40% to 50% of older adults experience homelessness for the first time in their lives after the age of 50, federal data shows.

• Unsheltered living: 25% of all unsheltered homeless individuals are age 55 or older. 

• Duration: Older adults remain unhoused for longer periods, with an average episode lasting about 25 months. 

• Aging demographics: Research models estimate that the population of older adults experiencing homelessness will triple by 2030. 

I had an opportunity to sit down with Craig Chance, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Thurston County, recently and he shared with me some of the great work he and his team are doing on affordable housing in Thurston County. 

Sterling Pines 

Sterling Pines is a newly renovated senior housing apartment complex featuring 24 apartments: one Studio, 14 one-bedroom, and nine two bedroom units. 

All apartments are priced to be affordable to seniors (ages 62 and up), according to the Housing Authority of Thurston County.

Twelve apartments are reserved for seniors living on income at or below 30% Area Median Income (30% AMI for a one-person household equates to $24,500 annually). Twelve units are reserved for seniors living on income at or below 50% AMI (50% AMI for a one-person household equates to $40,850 annually or $3,404 monthly). 

Rents for the units range from $450 at 30% AMI for a studio to $1,050 at 50% AMI for a two-bedroom. 

Property manager contact: 360-754-9575, fallspointeapts@omcwa.com 

McClanahan Village 

The planned mixed-income neighborhood aims to provide stable, long-term homes for people who cannot afford market rate housing, according to the Housing Authority of Thurston County.

Thirty-six units are being dedicated to seniors, who are struggling to make ends meet on nothing but  Social Security. Typical Social Security benefits are in the range of $1,600-$2,000 per month. 

McClanahan Village, which is located at 5025 Mullen Road SE in Lacey, should be completed next year.

Home Share program 

Home Share is a housing program operated by Senior Services for South Sound that connects homeowners, who have extra space, with adults seeking affordable housing.

Through screening, background checks, personalized matching and ongoing support, Home Share helps older adults remain in their homes while creating affordable housing opportunities for community members.

Individuals interested in learning more about Home Share can contact Rebecca Hutchinson, Home Share Program Manager at the following email address: rhutchinson@southsoundseniors.org

Creative solutions  

Many folks are turning to “van life” as depicted in the movie "Nomadland," or living in other vehicles. While it is affordable, it presents challenges, mostly from the lack of running water, and toilets and safe places to park. 

I personally found a comfortable and affordable room for rent on CraigsList that has served as my home base of operations for the past four years. Naturally, extra caution needs to be exercised by all parties involved when you’re not getting the screening, background checks, personalized matching and ongoing support benefits offered by Home Share, or other third party services, but it’s an option nonetheless. 

Healthcare Anchor Network

"Anchor Collaboratives can take many forms, but generally consist of a place-based network of anchor institutions that work in partnership with the community in order to advance economic and health equity through increased economic opportunity, equitable economic development, and affordable housing," according to Healthcare Anchor Network. 

Since the United States spends approximately 17.2% to 18.0% of its Gross Domestic Product on health care, it seems sensible to include large local health care providers as part of a community wellness and economic development plan.

They are where our community’s money is flowing and have a stake in creating affordable housing for patients being released from care after having their life savings drained, as well as for their own employees.  

I’ve generated an admittedly bare-bones proposal of an affordable, sustainable, resident-owned senior housing community in Thurston County. To read it, click here.

Events in the week ahead 

American Cancer Society Relay for Life on June 20-21.  Throughout the day, enjoy family-friendly fun, including food trucks, activities, team tents, theme laps and much more.  For details, click here.

Elderhood Roundtable at the Lacey Library, 500 College St. SE, at 2:30 p.m. on June 23.

Elderhood Roundtables are a welcoming, facilitated discussion series for older adults who enjoy meaningful conversation and connection.  

Glenn Harper provides support in aging and end of life. He is Chair of the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council and board member of the Senior Action Network. He facilitates several free Death Cafe and Elderhood Roundtable gatherings in the area where Elders are invited to talk about difficult topics in a nonjudgmental space. Learn more about these events here.