05/06/2026
What are the Unique Challenges Faced by Older Adults Experiencing Homelessness?
CCHC's recent 2026 federally mandated Point-In-Time Count in January showed a combined (14) Adult individuals age 65 or order experiencing Unsheltered conditions. This PIT was count was performed from 01/22/26 to 01/29/26. CCHC works with so many more older adults throughout the year.
Even before experiencing homelessness, older adults often face a distinct set of aging-related challenges, such as complex health and function decline, social isolation, and fixed or limited income. When homelessness is layered in, these challenges are then exacerbated, leading to accelerated aging, higher mortality risks, and barriers to care. Cumulatively, these vulnerabilities make it more difficult to exit homelessness compared to their younger counterparts. Without targeted action, this issue will continue to grow.
Why Partnerships Are Essential
As the County population continues to age, cross-sector integration between the Aging Network and homeless response system's like CCHC is not only beneficial, but also essential to ensure older adults age with dignity, stability, and access to the supports they need. Stronger partnerships are needed between the key leading systems that serve each group:
Partnerships between CCHC and others can create more effective responses that combine housing assistance with supportive services tailored to older adults. Stronger partnerships lead to more effective prevention strategies, better support for older adults, and promote housing stability.
Taking Action
It is not enough for these sectors to simply coordinate referrals; true integration requires shared planning, aligned funding strategies, and cross-training of staff to better understand the overlapping needs of older adults. Prevention must be a central focus of any effective response. Importantly, these partnerships must also address equity concerns. Collaborative approaches between CCHC and external partners provide an opportunity to intentionally design joint interventions that are culturally responsive and equity focused.
Ultimately, to help move beyond crisis response toward a proactive, coordinated approach that supports housing stability, health and dignity for older adults, CCHC utilizes internal tools to give clients the best chance at long term food, income & healthcare options. And anytime we need assistance our Excellent external partners are there to back us up! This initiative shares a set of successful strategies and best practices for the development of strong, effective partnerships, help prevent and address older adult homelessness.
~ Team CCHC
