There are several myths about people who are homeless.
Local nonprofits that work to help the homeless will tell you that the vast majority of people who are homeless are not from out of state who just came here because it was warmer but were living here in California when they became homeless.
Cal Matters published a commentary this week about another myth about the homeless.
While many are suffering from addictions and/or mental health problems, seniors are the fastest growing demographic among Californians who are becoming homeless according to the data.
The commentary was written by an older woman who began by saying, “I am 68 years old. I am a grandmother. I am homeless.”
She goes on to say, “I never anticipated that, at this point in my life, I would be living in a hotel and placed on a waitlist, hoping for an affordable apartment to open up so I can finally have a safe and permanent place to call home.”
And she’s just one of thousands of seniors up and down the state of who are homeless. Lots of seniors are faced with low incomes and few options.
Many avoid homelessness thanks to their families who have them move in with them. But many are on their own as this one 69 year old woman is who will need help from nonprofits or government to find a home.
Photo Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images