HOMELESS WOMEN

Dear MAx,

I recently went to surprise my favorite aunt for her birthday. When I arrived at the address she had “just moved” to, the place was vacant. I called her on her cell phone and we agreed to meet at a local restaurant. As I parked next to her car I noticed that it was full of her belongings including a pillow and blankets on the passenger seat. During lunch my aunt confessed to me that she is homeless! My aunt just turned 58 years old, her husband died two years ago leaving huge medical bills that forced her into bankruptcy. She is employed part-time earning a meager salary and it has been difficult for her to find full time employment. Even though she makes enough to pay rent, she cannot qualify for apartments because of her credit and all the fees that must be paid to get into housing. In her town there is no assistance for women in her age and circumstances through public housing. Of course, I took my aunt home with me. But, what if she didn’t have me? What do women do when faced with this scenario?

Connie

Dear Connie,

Thank you so much for your letter that brings attention to a growing problem in the US: homeless single/widowed women.

Although there are millions of homeless men in the US, their plight, unfortunately, has almost become the “norm” for aging, addicted, unemployed, and/or mentally ill men. The guy holding a sign on the corner is no longer considered a “panhandler”, he is considered “working (at) that corner”. Women and even families are rapidly replacing that homeless “guy” on the corner.

Usually the reasons contributing to homelessness includes addiction, domestic abuse, unemployment, abandonment, and natural disasters. But a new population of homelessness is growing: single/widowed women with little to no residual savings, minimal paying jobs, and poor credit ratings due to unexpected life circumstances. It is estimated that the number of homeless women in the US increased from 14% in the late 1990’s to 26% last year.

Aging women racing toward their retirement years are becoming part of an invisible population of people living in their cars, under bridges, or in un-noticed tents. They come from middle class lifestyles. These women usually do not utilize shelters because of, not only safety concerns, but also “image” concerns. What if my family/friends find out I am homeless?

There are organizations that are attempting to address the housing situation but contributions have fallen off greatly since the economic turn of events. Public funding has been drastically cut since the late ‘90s offering little to no reimbursements to cities for subsidizing low-income housing.  Because of the readjustment within the real estate market, private owners are reluctant to participate in providing low-income housing.

Consider this: the baby-boomers, born 1946 to 1964, are the largest population in the world. Within the baby-boomer demographic, there are more women then men. Women usually outlive their spouses. Women are paid less then men. Women are under insured. Many women over 55 years old fall into that category just-one-paycheck-away from loosing their homes. As the baby-boomer women age, they risk joining that invisible homeless group.

Connie, I am so proud of you for inviting your aunt into your home and that you are willing to support her. I also thank you, again, for bringing to light the plight of women at the “certain age” between homelessness and retirement.

Contacting the National Coalition for the Homeless for more information and statistics. YOU can stand up and make a difference by getting involved.

Be well on your journey.

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